ten
o'clock
When , finally , the case was given to the jury , and after waiting hour after hour at the court-house , to hear the decision , she had to go home long after dark , in despair of knowing the result before morning , it seemed hardly possible that she could pass through that night and retain her senses . She did not sleep through the night 's long watches -- how could she sleep ? Hours before the court assembled , she was at the court-house , waiting to know the fate of one , who now , in his fearful extremity , seemed dearer to her than ever . Slowly passed the lingering minutes , and at length ten o'clock came . The court-room was filled to suffocation , but through the dense crowd she made her way , and took her place beside her anxious husband . The court opened , and the foreman of the jury came forward to read the verdict . Many an eye sought with eager curiosity , or strong interest , the face of the wife .