nine o'clock
From time to time when they appealed to him , he gave an urbane assent , a murmur , a suave motion of his hand . When the light went , they lit a lamp . Agatha stayed and dined with them , that being the best thing she could do . At nine o'clock she rose and said good-night to Harding Powell . He smiled a drawn smile . `` Ah -- if I could sleep -- '' he said . `` That 's the worst of it -- his not sleeping , '' said Milly at the gate .