nearly ten o'clock
But the clock struck eight , and there were no signs of his approach , and soon it was half-past , and she found she must go to bed without seeing him . She sighed several times while Chloe was undressing her , and just as she was about leaving her , said , `` If papa comes home before I go to sleep , mammy , please ask him to let me come to him for one minute . '' `` I will , darlin ' ; but do n't you try for to stay awake ; kase maybe massa ai n't gwine be home till berry late , an ' den he might be vexed wid you . '' It was nearly ten o'clock when Mr. Dinsmore returned , and he was talking on the piazza with Mr. and Miss Allison for nearly half an hour afterwards ; but Chloe was patiently waiting for him , and meeting him in the hall on the way to his room , presented Elsie 's request . `` Yes , '' he said , `` see if she is awake , but do n't disturb her if she is not . '' Chloe softly opened the door , and the little girl started up , asking in an eager whisper , `` Did he say I might come , mammy ? '' `` Yes , darlin ' , '' said Chloe , lifting her in her arms and setting her down on the floor .