nearly eleven o'clock
They received him cordially , and in a very short time he was enjoying himself very well indeed . He was reminded rather disagreeably of his office , however , by seeing Hartley surrounded by a laughing crowd of the more frolicsome young people . He winked at Albert , as much as to say , `` Good stroke of business . '' The evening passed away with songs , games , and recitations , and it was nearly eleven o'clock when the young people began to wander off toward home in pairs . Albert and Maud were among the first of the young folks to bid the rest good-night . The night was clear and keen but perfectly still , and the young people , arm in arm , walked slowly homeward under the bare maples , in delicious companionship . Albert held Maud 's arm close to his side .