nine o'clock
It is pleasant to meet a civilised countryman in these days . '' `` It can be nothing to the pleasure of meeting a charming countrywoman , '' replied Mr. Barker , and he glided from the room . The dark lady stood for a moment looking at the door through which her visitor had departed . It was almost nine o'clock by this time , and she rang for lights , subsiding into a low chair while the servant brought them . The candles flickered in the light breeze that fanned fitfully through the room , and , finding it difficult to read , the Countess sent for Miss Skeat . `` What a tiny little world it is ! '' said Margaret , by way of opening the conversation .