Nine o’clock
In five minutes I was in a new world , and my melancholy room was full of the liveliest French company . The sound of an imperative and uncompromising bell recalled me in due time to the regions of reality . I looked at my watch . Nine o'clock . Ambrose met me at the bottom of the stairs , and showed me the way to the supper-room . Mr. Meadowcroft 's invalid chair had been wheeled to the head of the table . On his right-hand side sat his sad and silent daughter .