two o'clock
`` Before all the servants -- so inconsiderate -- it was quite insulting ! '' With a heavy heart , Mrs Sullivan lighted the chamber candle , and went up stairs to bed . Once she turned down the stairs two or three steps , intending to go to the counting-house door ; but her pride restrained her , and she re-ascended . In an hour Mrs Sullivan was in bed , expecting her husband every minute , listening at the slightest sound for his footstep ; but two o'clock came and he was still away . She could bear up against her suspense and agitation no longer ; she rose , threw on her _ robe de nuit _ , and descended the stairs . All the family had long retired , and every thing was still : her light foot made no noise as she tripped along . As she neared the door , she perceived the light gleaming through the key-hole .