about seven o'clock
The neighbours knew it was Aaron practising his piccolo . He was esteemed a good player : was in request at concerts and dances , also at swell balls . So the vivid piping sound tickled the darkness . He played on till about seven o'clock ; he did not want to go out too soon , in spite of the early closing of the public houses . He never went with the stream , but made a side current of his own . His wife said he was contrary . When he went into the middle room to put on his collar and tie , the two little girls were having their hair brushed , the baby was in bed , there was a hot smell of mince-pies baking in the oven .