nine P.M.
In spite of her confirmed habit of tantalizing Grandpa -- and this was from no malevolence of motive , but simply as the conscientious fulfilment of a sacred religious and domestic duty -- she was the most delightful soul I ever knew . At supper , it was a habit for her to sit at the table long after we had finished our meal , and to continue eating and talking in her slow , automatic , sublimely philosophical manner , until not a vestige of anything eatable remained , and then as she rose , she would remark , simply , with a glance at the denuded board : -- `` It beats all , how near you guessed the vittles to-night , daughter ! '' Then Grandma resorted to an occasional pastime , harmless and playful enough in itself , yet intended as a special means of discipline for Grandpa , and certainly , a source of great torment and anxiety to that poor old man . Between the hours of eight and nine P.M. , Grandma would deftly glide out of the family circle , and be seen no more that night . At bedtime , Grandpa would begin the search , while Madeline and I ungenerously retired . In the privacy of my own chamber , I could hear the old Captain tramping desolately about the Ark , calling , `` Ma ! ma ! ''