eleven o'clock
The consequence was that they were a well-ordered and loving family . There are many such in our land -- families which are guided by the Spirit and the Word of God . The sudden disappearance , therefore , of the eldest son of the Twitter family was not an event to be taken lightly for he had never slept out of his own particular bed without the distinct knowledge of his father and mother since he was born , and his appearance at the breakfast-table had been hitherto as certain as the rising of the sun or the winding of the eight-day clock by his father every Saturday night . In addition to all this , Sammy was of an amiable disposition , and had been trustworthy , so that when he came to the years of discretion -- which his father had fixed at fifteen -- he was allowed a latch-key , as he had frequently to work at his employer 's books till a lateish hour , -- sometimes eleven o'clock -- after the family , including the domestic , had gone to rest . `` Now , Samuel , '' said Mrs Twitter , with a slight return of her wonted energy , `` there can be only two explanations of this . Either the dear boy has met with an accident , or -- '' `` Well , Mariar , why do you pause ? '' `` Because it seems so absurd to think of , much more to talk of , his going wrong or running away !