Twelve o’clock
Mrs. Ludgate looked frequently at her watch , and even yawned without ceremony , more than once , to manifest her desire that the company should depart ; but no hints availed . The card players resolutely kept their seats , and even the smell of extinguishing candles had no effect upon their callous senses . The time appeared insupportably long to the wretched mistress of the house ; and the contrast between her fantastic headdress and her agonizing countenance every minute became more striking . Twelve o'clock struck . `` It is growing very late , '' said Mrs. Ludgate . `` But we must have another rubber , '' said Mrs. Pimlico . She began to deal ; a knock was heard at the door .