seven o’clock
Joseph left her in her old posture , with her head down and the papers on her lap . The appearance of the uneaten dinner in the kitchen produced a discussion , followed by a quarrel . Joseph was of the opinion that the mistress had got more upon her mind than her mind could well bear . It was useless to send for Mr. Null ; he had already mentioned that he would not be home until seven o'clock . . There was no superior person in the house to consult . It was not for the servants to take responsibility on themselves .