nine
o’clock
He shook his head , and with a sigh he closed the door . `` I 'll wait another ten minutes , '' he said to himself , clearing his throat and wiping away tears . Among the servants of the household there was intense excitement all this time . All had heard that their mistress had come , and that Kapitonitch had let her in , and that she was even now in the nursery , and that their master always went in person to the nursery at nine o'clock , and everyone fully comprehended that it was impossible for the husband and wife to meet , and that they must prevent it . Korney , the valet , going down to the hall-porter 's room , asked who had let her in , and how it was he had done so , and ascertaining that Kapitonitch had admitted her and shown her up , he gave the old man a talking-to . The hall-porter was doggedly silent , but when Korney told him he ought to be sent away , Kapitonitch darted up to him , and waving his hands in Korney 's face , began : `` Oh yes , to be sure you 'd not have let her in ! After ten years ' service , and never a word but of kindness , and there you 'd up and say , ` Be off , go along , get away with you ! '