nine o'clock
`` You see now why I said you 'd better go to the Métropole ? '' `` I do indeed . '' An admirable joint of mutton , cheese , coffee and a liqueur effaced the painful impression made by the _ entrée _ . By nine o'clock Marston declared himself inured to the hardships of the Cliff Hotel . `` How long can you stay ? '' she asked . The question had been burning in her for two hours .