ten
o'clock
The table was covered with tempting eatables , of which Ikey partook freely , stopping between sups of ale and mouthfuls of chicken pie to salute the object of his affections . I saw , too , that these attentions were by no means disagreeable to the cook , although she gave Ikey several admonitory taps . It was evident , too , that Ikey 's visit was clandestine . I knew that , except on special occasions , it was the rule for Pennington doors to be closed at ten o'clock , while it was now past midnight . Probably Ikey , who had the reputation of being a woman-hater , did not care for his courtship to be known , for I knew that he did not like being laughed at or joked in any way . I had not waited long when Ikey began to make preparations for his departure , while Tryphena seemed to be trying to persuade him to stay a little longer . No sound reached me , however , and I imagined that all their conversation was carried on in whispers for fear the noise thereof might reach the master or mistress of the establishment .