ten o'clock at night
William had noticed the look of fear that appeared in her eyes , and he said -- `` It 's my last chance . I ca n't get the money any other way ; and I do n't want to die yet awhile . I have n't been as good to you as I 'd like , and I want to do something for the boy , you know . '' He had been told not to remain out after sundown , but he was resolved to leave no stone unturned in his search for information , and often he returned home as late as nine and ten o'clock at night coughing -- Esther could hear him all up the street . He came in ready to drop with fatigue , his pockets filled with sporting papers , and these he studied , spreading them on the table under the lamp , while Esther sat striving to do some needlework . It often dropped out of her hands , and her eyes filled with tears . But she took care that he should not see these tears ; she did not wish to distress him unnecessarily .