nine o'clock
It any of the party 's missing , he or she will be left behind ! Prompt 's the word . '' Then , stepping over to her husband , she tapped him lightly on the shoulder and said : `` There now , Tom , I 'm glad we 're going , for you 're looking as solemn as an owl . Cheer up and have a lovely time with your book and that jolly fire , and do n't forget to go to bed at nine o'clock like a good little boy . '' Mary Brewster laughed , and most of the others joined in her merriment . But Mr. Cole looked so troubled and stern that Nan , who was gazing at him from the corners of her eyes , saw no reason to laugh at his wife 's sally , but felt a much greater inclination to cry for pity of him and his anxious face . Suddenly she was roused from her musing by John Gardiner 's voice close at her ear .