nine o'clock
Mrs. Chaffin 's solicitude respecting the tea and the herring reminded me of the first time I had stretched my tired legs under that hospitable board at Phil 's invitation ; of those big , wondering eyes that stared at me across the table ; of the songs and stories which beguiled the evening hours . The candles were lit before dinner was over , and when we rose from the table it was to gather about the warm fire and exchange memories , while Rayel listened with deep interest . Phil had been promoted from a pair of legs to a pair of hands , and was now third bookkeeper for the firm . Our carriage came for us at nine o'clock . Hester had decided to stay a day or two with her mother , but it was necessary for Rayel and me to return to London that night , as we were to make an important call the next day . Late in the afternoon of the day following our visit to Liverpool we ascended the big stone steps of my old home and pulled the bell . After all , I found that my nerves were not quite steady while we were waiting for the door to open .