nine o'clock
It was partly these evening visits that won for Mrs Nasmyth her popularity . Even in her gloomy days -- and she had some days gloomy enough about this time -- she would exert herself on such an occasion , and with the help of the young people the visitor was generally well entertained . Such singing of songs , such telling of tales , such discussions as were carried on in the pleasant firelight ! There was no such thing as time lagging there , and often the nine o'clock worship came before the visitor was aware . Even Judge Merle and young Squire Greenleaf were sometimes detained in the kitchen , if they happened to come in on a night when the minister was more than usually engaged . `` For you see , sir , '' said she , on one occasion , `` what with ae thing and what with anither , the minister has had so many interruptions this week already , that I dinna like to disturb him . But if you 'll sit down here for a minute or two , I daresay he 'll be ben and I 'll speak to Miss Graeme . ''