one o'clock in the
morning
` I hope my not coming home this night will not frighten you . You may believe I ca n't help it . My poor friend is so very ill , that I doubt he ca n't recover . His desires to have me stay with him are so strong , that I shall sit up all night with him , as it is now near one o'clock in the morning ; for he ca n't bear me out of his sight : And I have made him and his distressed wife and children so easy , in the kindest assurances I could give him of my consideration for him and them , that I am looked upon -LRB- as the poor disconsolate widow , as she , I doubt , will soon be , tells me , -RRB- as their good angel . I could have wished we had not engaged to the good neighbourhood at Sir Simon 's for to-morrow night ; but I am so desirous to set out on Wednesday for the other house , that , as well as in return for the civilities of so many good friends , who will be there on purpose , I would not put it off . What I beg of you , therefore , my dear , is , that you would go in the chariot to Sir Simon 's , the sooner in the day the better , because you will be diverted with the company , who all so much admire you ; and I hope to join you there by your tea-time in the afternoon , which will be better than going home , and returning with you , as it will be six miles difference to me ; and I know the good company will excuse my dress , on the occasion . I count every hour of this little absence for a day : for I am , with the utmost sincerity , ` My dearest love , for ever yours , etc. ' ` If you could go to dine with them , it will be a freedom that would be very pleasing to them ; and the more , as they do n't expect it . '