nine in the morning
At half-past seven we pulled the bell energetically . Nothing happened , and we pulled again and again , discovering at last that the connection between the bell-rope and the bell-wire had long since disappeared , though it had been more than once established with bits of twine , fishing-line , and shoe laces . Francesca then went across the hall to examine her methods of communication , and presently I heard a welcome tinkle , and another , and another , followed in due season by a cheerful voice , saying , `` Do n't desthroy it intirely , ma'am ; I 'll be coming direckly . '' We ordered jugs of hot water , and were told that it would be some time before it could be had , as ladies were not in the habit of calling for it before nine in the morning , and as the damper of the kitchen-range was out of order . Did we wish it in a little canteen with whisky and a bit of lemon-peel , or were we afther wantin ' it in a jug ? We replied promptly that it was not the hour for toddy , but the hour for baths , with us , and the decrepit and very sleepy night porter departed to wake the cook and build the fire ; advising me first , in a friendly way , to take the hearth brush that was ` kapin ' the windy up , and rap on the wall if I needed annything more . ' At eight o'clock we heard the porter 's shuffling step in the hall , followed by a howl and a polite objurgation .