nearly eleven o'clock
When Molly and Isabel Tristram , accompanied by Maggie Howland , the rector , and his wife , walked back to the rectory that evening , Maggie was in excellent spirits . It was natural that the three young people should start on in front . Maggie talked on various subjects ; but although the Tristrams were most anxious to get opinions from her with regard to the Cardews , she could not be led to talk of them until they were approaching the house . It was now nearly eleven o'clock , and a perfect summer night . The boys , Jack and Andrew , had gone to bed , but a few lights were twinkling here and there in the dear old rectory . `` Oh , I am not a scrap sleepy '' , said Maggie . `` This air stimulates one ; it is splendid .