ten o’clock
We sat for the most part in solemn silence broken only by requests to pass the salt . I observed with satisfaction , however , that things were growing lively at the other end of the table where A.-Smith _ père _ was drinking a good deal too much wine . At last I heard him say , `` We had hoped to spend a few days with you , my dear Luna . But as you tell us that your engagements make this impossible '' -- and he paused to drink some port , whereon Lady Ragnall remarked inconsequently , `` I assure you the ten o'clock train is far the best and I have ordered the carriage at half-past nine , which is not very early . '' `` As your engagements make this impossible , '' he repeated , `` we would ask for the opportunity of a little family conclave with you to-night . '' Here all of them turned and glowered at me . `` Certainly , '' said Lady Ragnall , ``` the sooner ` tis over the sooner to sleep . '