about nine
o'clock
She made a very solemn curtsy to the gentlemen , and sat down on the chair which somebody placed for her . Being unsupported , a lady -- not to say an unmarried lady profoundly conscious of the fact -- among a number of men , Miss Hemmings was naturally much agitated . She was the eldest and the softest-hearted ; and it occurred to her for the first time , as she gave a frightened look towards the Curate , that he was like her favourite younger brother , who had died ever so many years ago -- a thought which , for the first time , made her doubtful of her testimony , and disposed to break down in her evidence . `` You were in Grange Lane on the evening of the 15th ultimo , '' said Mr Morgan , after he had carefully written down her name , `` about nine o'clock ? '' `` Oh yes , Mr Morgan , '' said the poor lady ; `` we were at St Roque 's Cottage drinking tea with Mrs Bland , who was lodging with Mrs Smith in the same rooms Mrs Rider used to have . I put the note of invitation in my pocket in case there should be any doubt ; but , indeed , poor Mrs Bland was taken very ill on the 16th , and Dr Marjoribanks was called , and he knows it could not be any other evening -- and besides -- '' `` About nine o'clock , '' said Mr Waters ; `` did I understand you , it was about nine o'clock ? '' `` She was such an invalid , poor dear , '' said Miss Hemmings , apologetically ; `` and it is such a privilege to have real Christian conversation .