nine o'clock
Matilda looked at the toast , and then at the footman ; her cheek glowed , her eye was subdued , but her tongue did not move . Thomas , however , handed her the toast , and she then articulately said -- `` Thank you . '' This was heard , but no notice was taken ; they knew that much false shame attends the first efforts to subdue pride and passion , and they feared lest even approbation should be misconstrued . In order to divert the general attention , Mrs. Harewood said -- `` I forgot to ask Betty what made her run in such a hurry as to occasion her accident , for I gave her leave to go out , and stay till nine o'clock , and it is only seven now , I believe . '' `` I believe , madam , '' said Thomas , very respectfully , `` she came home in haste , because her sister has twins ; and as you promised her some caudle , she came to tell the cook to make it , and likewise to get some little matter of clothing , from her own clothes , for the baby that is unprovided . '' `` Poor woman ! '' said Mrs. Harewood ; `` we must all help ; this little stranger has a claim on us . ''