six o'clock
`` Ay , Pether , '' proceeded this benevolent hypocrite , forgetting everything but the image that was before him -- `` Ay , in troth , your own children -- your own children , poor things , without a morsel to put into their mouths ; and your wife , Pether , that you love betther than -- than -- aye , than a station dinner , a thousand times -- sittin ' with a pale face and a breaking , or , maybe , a broken heart , looking on at their privations and their miserable destitution , without being able to render them the laist assistance . Bad luck to it , for a mammon of unrighteousness , it 's never in the way when it 's wanted . '' After he had concluded , he took out a red cotton pocket-handkerchief , spotted at equal distances with white dice , and wiped away the tears that had gushed to his eyes whilst he spoke . `` Pettier , '' said he , immediately , `` finish your tumbler and go to bed ; you know we must be off to-morrow to station before six o'clock , and after your bitther ride to-night you want rest , poor fellow . '' When about a quarter of an hour had elapsed , and he had seen Peter to bed , he went to the kitchen , and asked Katty , his housekeeper , who always attended upon him and his curate , if she had done what he desired her . `` It 's done , your reverence , '' she replied , `` but you 'll never be able to carry it . '' `` That 's not your affair , Katty -- do you hear now ? ''