seven o'clock
Supper at the Stauntons ' was a nondescript sort of meal . It consisted of meat and vegetables , and tea and cakes and puddings , all placed on the table together . It was the one hearty meal Dr. Staunton allowed himself in the twenty-four hours . At the children 's early dinner he only snatched a little bread and cheese , but at peaceful seven o'clock the children were in bed , the house was quiet , the toil of the day was supposed to be over , and Dr. Staunton could eat heartily and enjoy himself . It was at this hour he used to notice how very pretty Effie looked , and how sweet it was to see her sitting like a little mouse on one side of the table , helping him and his wife in her affectionate way , and seeing to the comforts of all . It did not occur to him as even possible that Effie could carry such a dreadful thing as rebellion in her heart . No face could look more perfectly happy than hers .