nearly ten
o'clock
McHurdie gave his treadle a jam and swayed forward over his work and answered , `` Marry in haste -- repent at leisure . '' But nevertheless that night Watts sat with Nellie Logan on the front porch of the Wards ' house , watching the rising harvest moon , while Mrs. Ward , inside , was singing to her baby . Nellie Logan roomed with the Wards , and was bookkeeper in Dorman 's store . It was nearly ten o'clock and the man rose to go . `` Well , '' he said , and hesitated a moment , `` well , Nellie , I suppose you 're still waiting ? '' It was a question rather than an assertion . The woman put her hands gently on the man 's arms and sighed .