eleven o'clock
`` Fancy me wrapped up in a Shetland shawl ! I 'd sooner freeze . '' Lady Hayes dropped her eyelids and tightened her lips . Her manner pointed out more eloquently than words the fact that her guest was wanting in respect , but as hostess it was her duty to consider the comfort of her guest , so presently she rang the bell and gave instructions that a cup of hot cocoa should be served at eleven o'clock instead of the usual glass of milk . She herself was never guilty of the enormity of eating between meals , so that the listener knew perfectly well for whose benefit the order was given , but being at once cold , lonely , and cross , her heart was hardened , and she spoke no word . Between that time and the appearance of James with the tray Aunt Maria made three successive attempts to open new topics of conversation , which were each time checkmated by monosyllabic replies . There was a tone of relief in her voice , as of one hailing a much-needed assistance , as she said briskly -- `` Now , my dear , here is your cocoa !