about eight o'clock
Mrs. Barton brought in the ham and eggs at this moment , and I sat down before my gay little tea-tray , marvelling secretly at the scarlet flamingo . There were plenty of homely delicacies on the table , -- hot cakes and honey , and a basket of brown-and-yellow pippins . Uncle Max shook his head and pretended the hot cakes would ruin his digestion , but he enjoyed them all the same , and made an excellent meal . We sat for a long time talking over the fire , chiefly of Lesbia and Jill , for he took a warm interest in them both ; but about eight o'clock he remembered he had an engagement , and went off rather hurriedly , and I went upstairs and unpacked one of my boxes , and arranged my clothes in the chest of drawers and in the big , roomy cupboard . When the church clock struck ten , I went down again in search of hot water . At the sound of my footstep , Mrs. Barton came out in the passage and invited me into the kitchen . ` There is only Nat there at his books , ' she said , in her plaintive voice ; ` he works late sometimes , though I tell him he uses up candle and firelight .