seven o’clock to ten
`` Your tea is very good , '' said Richard . `` See how they propitiate her , '' maliciously observed the doctor . `` Not at all ; it is Richard standing up for his pupil , '' said Ethel . `` It is all very well now , with people who know the capacities of mortal tea ; but the boys expect it to last from seven o'clock to ten , through an unlimited number of cups , till I have announced that a teapot must be carved on my tombstone , with an epitaph , ` Died of unreasonable requirements . ''' Mrs. Arnott looked from one to the other , amused , observant , and perceiving that they were all under that form of shyness which brings up family wit to hide embarrassment or emotion . `` Is Harry one of these unreasonable boys ? '' she asked .