Nine o'clock
The great house seemed to be listening , hushed , to the sober ticking of the clock on the landing . Suddenly , with a preliminary shudder , its melodious voice rang out nine times . The two stole downstairs to the dining-room . `` Nine o'clock . We 've missed three courses , '' whispered Leonard to Marjorie . All through dinner he sulked . He could not forgive his Aunt Hortense for her very considerable bulk , which was situated between him and Marjorie .