six in the
evening
She took the children for an airing in a broken perambulator , nearly as far as Holloway , with exemplary care , and washed up the cups and saucers as though her mind was intent upon them . But Mrs. Pipkin 's mind was intent on obeying Mr. Carbury 's behests . She had already hinted something as to which Ruby had made no answer . It was her purpose to tell her and to swear to her most solemnly , -- should she find her preparing herself to leave the house after six in the evening , -- that she should be kept out the whole night , having a purpose equally clear in her own mind that she would break her oath should she be unsuccessful in her effort to keep Ruby at home . But on the Tuesday , when Ruby went up to her room to deck herself , a bright idea as to a better precaution struck Mrs. Pipkin 's mind . Ruby had been careless , -- had left her lover 's scrap of a note in an old pocket when she went out with the children , and Mrs. Pipkin knew all about it . It was nine o'clock when Ruby went up-stairs , -- and then Mrs. Pipkin locked both the front door and the area gate .