ten o’clock
The small servant nodded . ` Then , Marchioness , ' said Mr Swiveller , ` fire away ! ' The Marchioness , holding her cards very tight in both hands , considered which to play , and Mr Swiveller , assuming the gay and fashionable air which such society required , took another pull at the tankard , and waited for her lead . Mr Swiveller and his partner played several rubbers with varying success , until the loss of three sixpences , the gradual sinking of the purl , and the striking of ten o'clock , combined to render that gentleman mindful of the flight of Time , and the expediency of withdrawing before Mr Sampson and Miss Sally Brass returned . ` With which object in view , Marchioness , ' said Mr Swiveller gravely , ` I shall ask your ladyship 's permission to put the board in my pocket , and to retire from the presence when I have finished this tankard ; merely observing , Marchioness , that since life like a river is flowing , I care not how fast it rolls on , ma'am , on , while such purl on the bank still is growing , and such eyes light the waves as they run . Marchioness , your health . You will excuse my wearing my hat , but the palace is damp , and the marble floor is -- if I may be allowed the expression -- sloppy . '