eight o’clock
She was an old garrulous woman , a pawnbroker 's widow , who collected used stamps for some pious purpose . I had to endure the gossip of the tea-table . The meal was prolonged beyond an hour and still my uncle did not come . Mrs Mercer stood up to go : she was sorry she could n't wait any longer , but it was after eight o'clock and she did not like to be out late as the night air was bad for her . When she had gone I began to walk up and down the room , clenching my fists . My aunt said : `` I 'm afraid you may put off your bazaar for this night of Our Lord . '' At nine o'clock I heard my uncle 's latchkey in the halldoor .