eight o'clock
Yet to leave him alone was dangerous , for something might happen to him . I withdrew from his rooms for a little while , but warned the nursemaid to keep an eye upon him , as well as exchanged a word with the corridor lacquey -LRB- a very talkative fellow -RRB- , who likewise promised to remain on the look-out . Hardly had I left the General , when Potapitch approached me with a summons from the Grandmother . It was now eight o'clock , and she had returned from the Casino after finally losing all that she possessed . I found her sitting in her chair -- much distressed and evidently fatigued . Presently Martha brought her up a cup of tea and forced her to drink it ; yet , even then I could detect in the old lady 's tone and manner a great change . `` Good evening , Alexis Ivanovitch , '' she said slowly , with her head drooping .