nearly ten o'clock
`` You must stay here , then , till the time you have appointed , and I will show you a much shorter cut to the shore than by the high road , '' said mine host . Higson gladly accepted his offer . Tea and further refreshments were found on the table on their return from the garden , and then one of the younger ladies went to the piano , and another took a harp , and a third a guitar , and the young officers who could sing were asked to do so , which of course they did , Paddy Desmond especially having a capital voice . Thus the evening passed pleasantly away , till it was nearly ten o'clock . `` I had no idea there were such capital houses of public entertainment as yours in the island , '' said Higson , highly pleased with mine host , who had been very attentive to him . `` Whatever Englishmen undertake , however , they always beat the natives hollow , and now just tell me what 's to pay ? '' `` I am amply repaid by having had the pleasure of entertaining you , '' answered mine host , laughing .