six o'clock
Picture then the astonishment of the old woman called Betty , who cooked his dinner , when her master , one evening in December , suddenly came into the kitchen , and taking his pipe from his mouth , said , -- `` Betty , I 'm going to London to-morrow , and most likely I shall be away for a fortnight ! '' `` To London , master ! why , that be many miles off ! '' `` I know it is , Betty ; and mind you lock up the house every evening at six o'clock , and never allow any one across the door-step . '' Betty was too much astonished to make any answer , she only smoothed down her apron very vigorously , and gazed at her master as if he were slightly demented . Then a sudden idea occurred to her , and she gasped out , `` Then , master , you 'll want your best shirts put up ; and I must see to it , and get the ruffles done up quick . '' Farmer Shipton gave her no answer , but turned round and left the room .