Ten o'clock
`` Tis half-past nine , ' he said , in a quiet tone , but with a gleam of intense fury over his face , ` and that -- that -- doctor named _ nine _ . ' Dangerfield waited , and talked a little to Mrs. Sturk and the maid , who were now making preparations , in short sentences , by fits and starts of half-a-dozen words at a time . He had commenced his visit ceremoniously , but now he grew brusque , and took the command : and his tones were prompt and stern , and the women grew afraid of him . Ten o'clock came . Dangerfield went down stairs , and looked from the drawing-room windows . He waxed more and more impatient . Down he went to the street .