nearly eight at night
`` That was a narrow escape , '' said a cheery , musical voice . `` How long have you been on foot ? '' `` Since eight this morning , '' he replied . `` And now it is nearly eight at night ! Well , you may thank Heaven for preserving your life . '' Lord Arleigh turned away with a sigh . How little could any one guess what life meant for him -- life spent without love -- love -- without Madaline !