nine o'clock
Mrs. Lester said , a sudden feeling of alarm springing up in her bosom . `` It is a late hour for her to be from home , and we not apprized of where she is , '' the father remarked anxiously . `` It is , indeed . She has rarely stayed out later than nine o'clock . '' `` Who has been in the habit of coming home with her ? '' `` Usually Mrs. Martindale has accompanied her home , and this fact has thrown me off my guard . '' `` It should have put you on your guard ; for a woman like Mrs. Martindale , gossiping about as she does , night after night , with young folks , can not , it seems to me , have the best ends in view . ''