nearly nine
o'clock
Most likely Lingard has gone off on some errand of his own , and paid Bennett to take his place . But it is not regular or right , by any means ; I do n't like the idea of it at all ... . I think I shall go round myself presently , and find out all about it . '' By the time Stephen got back from his round it was nearly nine o'clock . He sank into a chair , and leaning his elbows on the table , rested his head in his hands . `` I 'm a deal weaker than I was last week , '' he murmured ; `` but I must try and last out till father 's back . I 'll write to him now , and tell him how fast I 'm going .