12 o'clock
Of course , the young man escorted the beautiful quadroon home that evening , and became the favorite visitor at the house of Agnes . It was on a beautiful moonlight night in the month of August when all who reside in tropical climates are eagerly grasping for a breath of fresh air , that Henry Linwood was in the garden which surrounded Agnes ' cottage , with the young quadroon by his side . He drew from his pocket a newspaper wet from the press , and read the following advertisement : -- NOTICE . -- Seventy-nine negroes will be offered for sale on Monday , September 10 , at 12 o'clock , being the entire stock of the late John Graves in an excellent condition , and all warranted against the common vices . Among them are several mechanics , able-bodied field-hands , plough-boys , and women with children , some of them very prolific , affording a rare opportunity for any one who wishes to raise a strong and healthy lot of servants for their own use . Also several mulatto girls of rare personal qualities , -- two of these very superior . Among the above slaves advertised for sale were Agnes and her two daughters .