about four in the morning
My dear wife , for the first time in her life I believe , thoroughly agreed with me in this wish . I mention the fact with unalloyed pleasure , as being what I may term a sunny memory , a bright spot , in a life of subdued though true happiness . We neither of us suspected at that time what bitter opposition to our wishes we were to receive from Kenneth 's father , who , although in many respects a good man , was very stern -- unpleasantly stern . Having done all that could be done for the wrecked people , Lizzie and I returned to our residence in Wreckumoft at about four in the morning . Kenneth insisted on walking with us , sending his man home with his horse , which Lizzie patted on the neck , and called a noble creature . It was quite evident that Kenneth wished that he himself was his own horse on that occasion -- so evident that Lizzie blushed , and taking my arm hurriedly urged me to go home as it was `` very late . '' `` Very early would be more correct , my dear , '' said I , `` for it is past four .