ten o'clock
After breakfast Sir Denis walked to his club in Pall Mall , wet or dry . He would read the papers and discuss the cheeseparing policy of the Government with some of his old chums , lunch at the club , play a game of dominoes or draughts , and return home in time for dinner . Frequently they entertained a friend or two quietly at dinner . But , company or no company , there were prayers at ten o'clock , after which the General took his candle and went to his bedroom . There were times , of course , when Nelly went out to balls and entertainments , and then Sir Denis was to be seen on duty , even though there were a good many ladies who would be willing to take the chaperonage of his daughter off his hands . But that was an office he would relinquish to no one . He was the most patient of chaperons , too , and never grumbled if the daylight found him still at the whist-table , although he would rise at the same hour as usual and carry out his appointed round for the day as if he had not lost his sleep over-night .