nine o'clock
`` Mo ' cake , '' he said , in a moment or two after , unable to articulate with any degree of distinctness , for his mouth was so full that each cheek stood out , and his lips essayed in vain to close over the abundant supply within . Another piece was given , and this disappeared as quickly . Then he wanted an apple , and as soon as he got one , he cried for a second and a third . Then -- But we will not chronicle the sayings and doings of little Henry further ; more than to say , that he soon , from being allowed to sit up beyond the accustomed hour , grew fretful and exceedingly troublesome , preventing all pleasant intercourse between the visitors and visited , and that at nine o'clock he was carried off screaming to his bed . `` If that were my child , '' said Mr. Little , pausing at his own door , and turning round to Mr. and Mrs. Manly , who had accompanied his wife thus far on their way home , `` I would teach him better manners , or I would half kill him . I never saw such an ill-conditioned little imp in my life ! '' `` Children are children , you know , '' was Mr. Manly 's quiet reply .