ten o'clock
This news at once despatched my poor mother on her travels , and she had only just come from the prison , where she learned my address . I asked her whether she had seen my wife , and how she found her . Rather to my amaze she said that Mary was out with the landlady when she arrived ; and eight -- nine o'clock came , and she was absent still . At ten o'clock returned -- not my wife , but Mrs. Stokes , and with her a gentleman , who shook hands with me on coming into the room , and said , `` Mr. Titmarsh ! I do n't know whether you will remember me : my name is Tiptoff . I have brought you a note from Mrs. Titmarsh , and a message from my wife , who sincerely commiserates your loss , and begs you will not be uneasy at Mrs. Titmarsh 's absence . She has been good enough to promise to pass the night with Lady Tiptoff ; and I am sure you will not object to her being away from you , while she is giving happiness to a sick mother and a sick child . ''