nine o'clock
`` I am not very well , aunt . It is so still here at night , the slightest noises startle me . '' There was another interval of silence . It was past nine o'clock when they heard the back door opened and closed again . Turlington came hurriedly into the drawing-room , as if he had some reason for wishing to rejoin the ladies as soon as possible . To the surprise of both of them , he sat down abruptly in the corner , with his face to the wall , and took up the newspaper , without casting a look at them or uttering a word . `` Is Joseph safe at the vicarage ? ''