eight o'clock
When dusk actually closed , and when Adele left me to go and play in the nursery with Sophie , I did most keenly desire it . I listened for the bell to ring below ; I listened for Leah coming up with a message ; I fancied sometimes I heard Mr. Rochester 's own tread , and I turned to the door , expecting it to open and admit him . The door remained shut ; darkness only came in through the window . Still it was not late ; he often sent for me at seven and eight o'clock , and it was yet but six . Surely I should not be wholly disappointed to-night , when I had so many things to say to him ! I wanted again to introduce the subject of Grace Poole , and to hear what he would answer ; I wanted to ask him plainly if he really believed it was she who had made last night 's hideous attempt ; and if so , why he kept her wickedness a secret . It little mattered whether my curiosity irritated him ; I knew the pleasure of vexing and soothing him by turns ; it was one I chiefly delighted in , and a sure instinct always prevented me from going too far ; beyond the verge of provocation I never ventured ; on the extreme brink I liked well to try my skill .