ten o'clock
True , Julia , and I was about to remark that since you refuse to send him up to Oxford or Cambridge , the only chance I see for him is to quit your apron strings and go out into the world to find his manhood if he can . My aunt turned upon the speaker , handsome head upflung , but , ere she could speak , the grandfather clock in the corner rang the hour in its mellow chime . Thereupon my aunt rose to her stately height and reached out to me her slender , imperious hand . `` Peregrine , it is ten o'clock . Good night , dear boy ! '' said she and kissed me . Thereafter , having kissed the hand that clasped mine , I bowed to my two uncles and went dutifully to bed .