about nine o’clock
He had not any money , she knew , so if he stopped he was running up a bill . She was very tired of him -- tired to death . He had not even the courage to carry his bundle beyond the yard-end . As she meditated , at about nine o'clock , he opened the door and came in , slinking , and yet sulky . She said not a word . He took off his coat , and slunk to his armchair , where he began to take off his boots . `` You 'd better fetch your bundle before you take your boots off , '' she said quietly .