nine o’clock
`` But , '' replied Monsieur Dorlange , `` surely you are not going alone in a hired carriage to that lonely quarter ? '' `` Lucas will go with me . '' At that moment Lucas returned ; his prediction was realized ; there was not a coach on the stand ; it was raining in torrents . Time was passing ; already it was almost too late to enter the school , where masters and pupils go to bed at nine o'clock . `` Put on thick shoes , '' I said to Lucas , `` and come with me on foot . '' Instantly I saw his face lengthen . He is no longer young and loves his ease ; moreover , he complains every winter of rheumatism .