nearly twelve o'clock
It was terrible hard work to make out any kind of a story that would do . Kate questioned and cross-questioned me about the particular kind of business that called us away like a lawyer -LRB- I 've seen plenty of that since -RRB- until at last I was obliged to get a bit cross and refuse to answer any more questions . Jeanie took it easier , and was that down-hearted and miserable at parting with Jim that she had n't the heart to ask any questions of any one , and Jim looked about as dismal as she did . They sat with their hands in each other 's till it was nearly twelve o'clock , when the old mother came and carried the girls off to bed . We had to start at daylight next morning ; but we made up our minds to leave them a hundred pounds apiece to keep for us until we came back , and promised if we were alive to be at St. Kilda next January , which they had to be contented with . Jeanie did not want to take the money ; but Jim said he 'd very likely lose it , and so persuaded her . We were miserable and low-spirited enough ourselves at the idea of going away all in a hurry .