four o’clock in the morning
Impressed with this idea , she was no sooner fairly awake than she screamed violently , and would have quickly precipitated herself out of the window and through a neighbouring skylight , if her daughter had not hastened in to undeceive her , and implore her assistance . Somewhat reassured by her account of the service she was required to render , Mrs Jiniwin made her appearance in a flannel dressing-gown ; and both mother and daughter , trembling with terror and cold -- for the night was now far advanced -- obeyed Mr Quilp 's directions in submissive silence . Prolonging his preparations as much as possible , for their greater comfort , that eccentric gentleman superintended the packing of his wardrobe , and having added to it with his own hands , a plate , knife and fork , spoon , teacup and saucer , and other small household matters of that nature , strapped up the portmanteau , took it on his shoulders , and actually marched off without another word , and with the case-bottle -LRB- which he had never once put down -RRB- still tightly clasped under his arm . Consigning his heavier burden to the care of Tom Scott when he reached the street , taking a dram from the bottle for his own encouragement , and giving the boy a rap on the head with it as a small taste for himself , Quilp very deliberately led the way to the wharf , and reached it at between three and four o'clock in the morning . ` Snug ! ' said Quilp , when he had groped his way to the wooden counting-house , and opened the door with a key he carried about with him . ` Beautifully snug !