About eight o'clock
He felt that the time was not ripe for him to gather up his wealth and honors and lay them , with his heart , at Viola 's feet . One afternoon he invited Viola to go out buggy riding with him , and decided to lay bare his heart to her before their return home . They drove out of Norfolk over Campostella bridge and went far into the country , chatting pleasantly , oblivious of the farm hands preparing the soil for seed sowing ; for it was in balmy spring . About eight o'clock they were returning to the city and Bernard felt his veins throbbing ; for he had determined to know his fate before he reached Viola 's home . When midway the bridge he pulled his reins and the horse stood still . The dark waters of the small river swept on beneath them . Night had just begun to spread out her sombre wings , bedecked with silent stars .