about four o'clock
They rode on through the pleasant woodlands and the monotonous straight lanes at an equal pace . The distance traversed might have been about fifteen miles when Tupcombe could perceive that the Squire was getting tired -- as weary as he would have been after riding three times the distance ten years before . However , they reached Bristol without any mishap , and put up at the Squire 's accustomed inn . Dornell almost immediately proceeded on foot to the inn which Reynard had given as his address , it being now about four o'clock . Reynard had already dined -- for people dined early then -- and he was staying indoors . He had already received Mrs. Dornell 's reply to his letter ; but before acting upon her advice and starting for King 's - Hintock he made up his mind to wait another day , that Betty 's father might at least have time to write to him if so minded . The returned traveller much desired to obtain the Squire 's assent , as well as his wife 's , to the proposed visit to his bride , that nothing might seem harsh or forced in his method of taking his position as one of the family .