Ten o'clock
His somewhat closely-set eyes were not such as wax tender over drowning flies , for even in repose they were somewhat direct and stern in their gaze . In fact , Christian Vellacott was so visibly created for strife and the forefront of life 's battle , that it was almost painful to see him fulfilling a more peaceful avocation . As a rule he devoted himself to the amusement of his aged relatives for an hour or so ; but this evening he sat down to the piano at once , with the deliberate intention of playing them off to sleep . Ten o'clock was their hour for retiring , and before that they would not move , although they dozed in their chairs . He was no mean musician , this big West-countryman , with a true ear and a touch peculiarly light and tender for a man . He played gently and drowsily for some time , half forgetting that he was not alone in the room . Presently he turned round , letting his fingers rest on the keys .