six o’clock
He was by no means so pleased with his listener as he had been upon the esplanade ; he seemed , somehow , to have become absent-minded . It was now nine o'clock ; but , as Cousin Hans had made up his mind that he would hold out till half-past nine , he dragged through one of the longest half-hours that had ever come within his experience . The captain grew sleepy , Miss Betty gave short and dry answers ; Hans had himself to provide the conversation -- weary , out of temper , unhappy and love-sick as he was . At last the clock was close upon half-past nine ; he rose , explaining that he was accustomed to go early to bed , because he could read best when he got up at six o'clock . `` Well , well , '' said the captain , `` do you call this going early to bed ? I assure you I always turn in at nine o'clock . '' Vexation on vexation !