nearly midnight
But , noticing that on this Heliodora cast down her eyes with a troubled expression , he went on with a laugh : `` Our mothers destined us to marry each other , but we are too ill-matched in size , and not exactly made for a pair in other ways . '' Then , taking leave of them , he went to Nilus and informed him of his decision . His request that the treasurer would make his excuses to Rufinus , carry his greetings to Thomas ' daughter , and make the most of his reasons for remaining behind , sent the good man almost beside himself for joy ; and he so far forgot his modest reserve as to embrace Orion as a son . The young host sat with his visitors till nearly midnight : and when , on the following morning , Martina first greeted her niece -- who looked peacefully happy though somewhat tired -- she was able to tell her that the two men had already gone across the Nile , and , she hoped , settled everything with the Arab governor . Great was her disappointment when presently Justinus and Orion came back to say that Amru , instead of returning to Fostat from the review at Heliopolis , had gone straight to Alexandria . He had engagements there for a few days , and would then start for Medina . The senator saw nothing for it but to follow him up , and Orion volunteered to accompany him .