ten o'clock
The children had been put to bed before they went ; Thekla was up-stairs with her mother , who had begged her to remain at home . Mrs Rose could give no reason for her request , except that she felt low and nervous , and had a fancy or a foreboding , which it might be , that it would be better for Thekla to absent herself . Dr Thorpe and Isoult sat alone in the little chamber of the Lamb . It was past ten o'clock -- in the middle of the night , to their apprehension -- but there could be no going to bed until they knew of the safety of the absent ones . At last , half-an-hour at least after they had expected it , John Avery 's hand was heard on the latch . He came in alone . `` Thou art very late , Jack , '' said Isoult , when he entered .