nine o'clock
Yet His Majesty will scarce speak to him , so much he distrusts him . '' This was all very pretty : and from it I argued that the Duke was deeper in the affair than we had thought , and perhaps belonged even to the extremest party , led , we supposed , chiefly by Mr. Sidney . But I murmured that it was a shame that His Majesty treated him so ; and while I was listening to further eulogies on His Grace , a new thought came to me which I determined to put into execution that very night ; for I felt we were not making any progress . There was not much more conversation of any significance , and I was soon able to carry out what I determined ; for my Lord Essex when we broke about half-past nine o'clock , again offered to take me home . I said good-night very respectfully to the company ; and followed him into the coach . For a while I said nothing , but appeared preoccupied ; so that at last my Lord clapped me on the knee and asked me if I ailed -- which was what I wished him to do . `` My Lord , '' said I , with an appearance of great openness , `` I have a confession to make . ''