eleven
o'clock
She waited an hour later than usual , and then retired , sinking back upon her pillow as she did so , in a state of hopeless exhaustion of mind and body . In the meantime , her husband had spent a merry evening at Harry Arnold 's , drinking with more than his accustomed freedom . He was the last to go home , the thought of meeting his deceived and injured wife , causing him to linger . When he did leave , it was past eleven o'clock . Though more than half-intoxicated on going from the grog-shop , the cool night air , and the thought of Sally , sobered him considerably before he got home . Arrived there , he paused with his hand on the door for some time , reluctant to enter . At last he opened the door , and went quietly in , in the hope of getting up to bed without his wife 's discovering his condition .