nine o'clock
` Betsy said he were such a friend to her brother as niver was ; and he 's sent her word and promised to go and see her , first place he goes out to . But William only shook his head , and repeated his last words , -- ` He 's a bad man , he is . ' When Philip came home that Sunday night , he found only Alice up to receive him . The usual bedtime in the household was nine o'clock , and it was but ten minutes past the hour ; but Alice looked displeased and stern . ` Thee art late , lad , ' said she , shortly . ` I 'm sorry ; it 's a long way from my uncle 's , and I think clocks are different , ' said he , taking out his watch to compare it with the round moon 's face that told the time to Alice . ` I know nought about thy uncle 's , but thee art late .