nine o'clock
When Hattie came to carry down the silver tray containing the delicate green and gold china dishes , she complimented the stranger upon the improvement in her appearance , adding : `` Miss Olga directed me to show you the house , and anything you might like to look at , so I lighted the palours and reception-room ; and the library always has a fire , and the gas burning . That is next to Mr. Palma 's bedroom , and is his special place . He comes and goes so irregularly that we never can tell when he is in it . Once last year he got home at nine o'clock unexpectedly , and sat up all night writing there in the cold . Next morning he gave orders for fire and light in that room , whether he was at home or not . Miss , if you do n't mind looking about yourself , I should like to run around to Eighth Avenue for a few minutes , to see my sick aunt . Terry has gone out , and Mary promised to answer the bell , if any one called .