nearly ten o'clock
`` He is better , '' answered the dentist ; `` so much better , that I shall venture to give him a few business letters that have been waiting for him some time , as soon as he wakes . '' He seated himself by the head of the bed , and waited quietly for the awakening of the patient . `` Your breakfast is ready for you downstairs , Mrs. Halliday , '' he said presently ; `` had n't you better go down and take it , while I keep watch here ? It 's nearly ten o'clock . '' `` I do n't care about any breakfast , '' Georgina answered piteously . `` Ah , but you 'd better eat something . You 'll make yourself an invalid , if you are not careful ; and then you wo n't be able to attend upon Tom . ''