ten o'clock
Through his ugly spectacles his eyes showed large , dark , and as beautifully soft as a girl 's . His mind was remarkably keen and active , and there was in his carriage something of Gabriella 's capable and commanding air , as if , like her , he embodied those qualities which compel acknowledgment . Though she had never admitted it even to herself , he was her favourite child . When dinner was over she had the children to herself -- to the gracious , unhurried self she gave them -- until ten o'clock . Then their books were put away , and after she had kissed them good-night , and tucked the covers about them , she came back to the living-room , and sat down to her sewing with Miss Polly . The ease and cheerfulness dropped from her at the approach of midnight , and while the two women bent over their needles they talked of their anxieties , and planned innumerable and intricate ways of economy . `` Fanny 's school costs so much , and , of course , she must have clothes .