nine o'clock
I had now most of the evening work , as I was well accustomed to standing , and Jerry was also more afraid of Hotspur taking cold . We had a great deal of late work in the Christmas week , and Jerry 's cough was bad ; but however late we were , Polly sat up for him , and came out with a lantern to meet him , looking anxious and troubled . On the evening of the New Year we had to take two gentlemen to a house in one of the West End Squares . We set them down at nine o'clock , and were told to come again at eleven , `` but , '' said one , `` as it is a card party , you may have to wait a few minutes , but do n't be late . '' As the clock struck eleven we were at the door , for Jerry was always punctual . The clock chimed the quarters , one , two , three , and then struck twelve , but the door did not open . The wind had been very changeable , with squalls of rain during the day , but now it came on sharp , driving sleet , which seemed to come all the way round ; it was very cold , and there was no shelter .