seven o'clock
in the evening
Of course , people say things that they think will please you , knowing that you regard me as a sort of wonder . I hope I shall make my way some day , and the fact that I have had a better education than most young fellows , in my position of life , of course may make some little difference ; and will , I hope , help me to mount the ladder , when once I put my foot upon it . '' But although , no doubt , Mrs. Whitney was a partial judge , her opinion as to her son was not an incorrect one ; for with his intelligent face , and quiet self-assured bearing , he looked very much more like a gentleman than many young fellows in a far better position in life . The stars were shining brightly when he started , at seven o'clock in the evening ; and he walked with a brisk step , until he arrived within half a mile of the village . As he passed by the end of a lane which ran into the road , he heard a horse impatiently pawing the ground ; the sound being followed by a savage oath , to the animal , to stand quiet . Reuben walked on a few steps , and then paused . The lane , as he knew , only led to some fields a short distance away .