nine o'clock
Much good may it do 'em , '' said Dan , so contemptuously that Seddon durst not utter another word in the general laugh , though he carried home a little can of milk every day , and he and others well knew the store that their wives set by the assistance of their little ones . They knew it well enough , though they were afraid to maintain the cause of the Gobblealls before such an orator as Dan ; and nothing worse than these grumblings took place all harvest time , where the whole families were fully employed , the men each taking a portion of the field , while their wives and children aided in the reaping and binding , and earned sums amongst them which would pay the quarter 's rent , buy the pig , and provide huge boots for the father , if for no others of the family . The farmers provided substantial luncheons and suppers for the toilers in the field ; and , when all was over , and the last load carried , amid joyful shouts , there was a great harvest supper at each farm , where songs were sung , dances were danced , and there was often a most unlimited quantity of beer swallowed . No one had then thought of harvest thanksgivings ; but at Greenhow there was as usual the farm supper , but with only ale enough for good and not for harm ; the ladies came to hear the songs in the great farm kitchen , and the party had to break up at nine o'clock . The women , especially Mrs Mole , were glad ; but the men , even the steady ones , did not like having only half an evening of it , and `` such a mean sup of beer . '' It really was excellent strong beer -- far better than the farmers ' brew -- but that did not matter to the discontented , who , instead of letting themselves be taken home by their wives , adjourned to the `` Fox and Hounds , '' and there sat over their pint cups , replenished from time to time , while they discussed the captain 's meanness , and listened to a dirty old newspaper , which told of the doings of Jack Swing , who was going about in Wiltshire , raising mobs , threatening farmers and squires , and destroying machines . There was much excitement among the gentry about Reform , but apparently the poor cared not about it .