eleven o'clock
All that would be medicine indeed , after the year 's confinement in the murky city ! Ron would lift up his head again , like a plant refreshed with dew ; body and mind alike would then expand in jubilant freedom . Margot crept down the darkened staircase , treading with precaution as she passed her sister 's room . The hall beneath was in utter darkness , for it was against Agnes 's economical instincts to leave a light burning after eleven o'clock , even for the convenience of the master of the house . When Mr Vane demurred , she pointed out that it was the easiest thing in the world for him to put a match to the candle which was left waiting for his use , and that each electric light cost -- she had worked it all out , and mentioned a definite and substantial sum which would be wasted by the end of the year if the light were allowed to burn in hall or staircase while he enjoyed his nightly read and smoke . `` Would you wish this money to be wasted ? '' she asked calmly ; and thus questioned , there was no alternative but to reply in the negative .