about ten o'clock
` I do not know how you contrive , mother , always to say the most disagreeable things ; the marvellous way in which you pitch on what will , at the moment , wound me most , is truly wonderful . I compliment you on your skill , but I confess I am at a loss to understand why you should , as if by right , expect me to remain here to serve as a target for the arrows of your scorn . ' John walked out of the room . During dinner mother and son spoke very little , and he retired early , about ten o'clock , to his room . He was in high dudgeon , but the white walls , the _ prie-dieu , _ the straight , narrow bed , were pleasant to see . His room was the first agreeable impression of the day . He picked up a drawing from the table , it seemed to him awkward and slovenly .