eight o'clock
But his presence made Dexie 's task much harder than usual . Such a `` lie-a-bed '' as he was in the mornings , and he expected to be served with a hot breakfast whatever might be the hour of his appearance . Nancy remembered him of old , and resented the added work , and Dexie tried almost in vain to pour oil on the troubled waters . One evening , when Plaisted was about to retire , Dexie handed him his lamp , saying : `` Our breakfast hour is eight o'clock , Mr. Plaisted , and if you will rise at the first bell you will have plenty of time to curl your hair before the breakfast bell rings . '' `` Dexie , do n't let your tongue run away with you , '' her father said , reprovingly . `` Plaisted will surely be up in good time to-morrow , as we have much work ahead of us if we intend to catch the train . '' `` Yes , I 'll be up to-morrow morning without fail , '' he replied .