nine o'clock
However , again a few weeks and things were somewhat improved ; she eyed him like a wild beast , but was less frequent in her outbreaks . Here , too , it might be that Mrs. Peckover 's influence was at work , for Clara spent at least four evenings of the seven away from home , and always said she had been at the Close . As indifferent as it was possible to be , Joseph made no attempt to restrain her independence ; indeed he was glad to have her out of his way . We must follow her on one of these evenings ostensibly passed at Mrs. Peckover 's -- no , not follow , but discover her at nine o'clock . In Old Street , not far from Shoreditch Station , was a shabby little place of refreshment , kept by an Italian ; pastry and sweet-stuff filled the window ; at the back of the shop , through a doorway on each side of which was looped a pink curtain , a room , furnished with three marble-topped tables , invited those who wished to eat and drink more at ease than was possible before the counter . Except on Sunday evening this room was very little used , and there , on the occasion of which I speak , Clem was sitting with Bob Hewett . They had been having supper together -- French pastry and a cup of cocoa .