ten o'clock
before
Please do n't bother about it . '' `` I wo n't , '' said Ruth , `` that is , I 'll try not to . '' They piled the dishes in the sink , `` as a pleasant surprise for Hepsey , '' he said , and the hours passed as if on wings . It was almost ten o'clock before it occurred to Winfield that his permanent abode was not Miss Hathaway 's parlour . As they stood at the door , talking , the last train came in . `` Do you know , '' said Winfield , `` that every night , just as that train comes in , your friend down there puts a candle in her front window ? '' `` Well , '' rejoined Ruth , sharply , `` what of it ?