ten o'clock
`` But , my dear , '' began the Bishop meekly , `` if we can not find a fourth hand -- '' `` If Miss Banborough does n't feel up to playing , '' came the sweet tones of Violet 's voice , `` I 'll be delighted to take her place . '' And a moment later she was ensconced at the table . The Bishop 's sister retired to a corner with the largest and most aggressive volume of sermons she could find , and sniffed loudly at intervals all the evening . And when at ten o'clock , in response to the summons of an impressive functionary clad in black and bearing a wand surmounted by a silver cross , the little party filed out to evening devotions in the chapel , Miss Matilda gathered her skirts around her as if she feared contagion . `` I 'm afraid of that old cat , '' Mrs. Mackintosh confided to Violet , when they had reached the haven of their apartments . `` I 'm sure she suspects us already ; and if we 're not careful , she 'll find us out . '' `` I say , boss , '' remarked the tramp , as he paused for a moment in the process of stuffing himself to repletion with cold game-pie , `` this is a rum trip , and no mistake . ''