nine o'clock
But her master was in an ill humor , and he responded to her questions with brief words . He was not going to remain in the house ; he would dine at the Casino . By the light of a lamp which but dimly illuminated his vast apartment , he changed his suit and brushed himself up a bit , taking an enormous key from Mammy 's hands in order to open the door when he returned late at night . At nine o'clock , on his way to the Casino , he saw his friend Toni Clapés , the smuggler , standing in the doorway of an inn . He was a large man with a round , shaven face , in peasant garb . He looked like a country curate dressed as a farmer to spend the night in Palma . With his white hempen sandals , his collar minus a cravat , and his hat thrust back , he entered the cafés and clubs , being received with profuse manifestations of friendship .