Two o'clock
She is laughing a little , and looking so content that the professor has n't the heart to contradict her -- though where the fortune comes in -- `` I 'm starving , '' says she , gaily , `` will that funny little kettle soon boil ? '' The professor has lit a spirit-lamp with a view to giving her some tea . `` I have n't had anything to eat since dinner , and you know she dines at an ungodly hour . Two o'clock ! I did n't know I wanted anything to eat until I escaped from her , but now that I have got _ you , '' _ triumphantly , `` I feel as hungry as ever I can be . '' `` There is nothing , '' says the professor , blankly . His heart seems to stop beating .