nine
o'clock
If the appearance of the room , with its tattered hangings and rickety furniture , had counted for anything , my dreams should certainly have been haunted . But , as a matter of fact , I never slept better . Possibly the lightness of the dinner -LRB- cooked by the small handmaid Lobelia -RRB- had something to do with it ; possibly , too , the infectious somnolence of the two Admirals , who spoke but little during the meal , and nodded , without attempt at dissimulation , over the dessert . At any rate , shortly after nine o'clock -- when Miss Wilhelmina brought out a heavy Church Service , and Uncle Melchior read the lesson and collect for the day and a few prayers , including the one `` For those at Sea '' -- I had felt quite ready for bed . And now , thanks to a cold compress , my ankle had mended considerably . I descended to breakfast in very cheerful mind , and found Miss Wilhelmina alone at the table . `` Uncle Peter , '' she explained , `` rarely comes down before mid-day ; and Uncle Melchior breakfasts in his room .