ten o'clock
`` Marchioness , '' as the reader knows , is a title to a lady of very high rank , and such Mr. Swiveller chose to imagine this small servant to be . `` Then , Marchioness , '' said Mr. Swiveller , `` fire away ! '' The Marchioness , holding her cards very tight in both hands , considered which to play , and Mr. Swiveller , assuming the gay and fashionable air which such society required , took another pull at the jug and waited for her to lead in the game . Mr. Swiveller and his partner played several rubbers with varying success , until the loss of three sixpences , the gradual sinking of the purl , and the striking of ten o'clock , combined to render that gentleman mindful of the flight of time , and the wisdom of withdrawing before Mr. Sampson and Miss Sally Brass returned . `` With which object in view , Marchioness , '' said Mr. Swiveller gravely , `` I shall ask your ladyship 's permission to put the board in my pocket , and to retire from the presence when I have finished this glass ; merely observing , Marchioness , that since life like a river is flowing , I care not how fast it rolls on , ma'am , on , while such purl on the bank still is growing , and such eyes light the waves as they run . Marchioness , your health ! You will excuse my wearing my hat but the palace is damp , and the marble floor is -- if I may be allowed the expression -- sloppy . ''