eleven o'clock
`` If you have n't seen poor mistress since Christmas , you would n't know her , '' said Liddy . `` Her eyes are so miserable that she 's not the same woman . Only two years ago she was a romping girl , and now she 's this ! '' Laban departed as directed , and at eleven o'clock that night several of the villagers strolled along the road to Casterbridge and awaited his arrival -- among them Oak , and nearly all the rest of Bathsheba 's men . Gabriel 's anxiety was great that Boldwood might be saved , even though in his conscience he felt that he ought to die ; for there had been qualities in the farmer which Oak loved . At last , when they all were weary the tramp of a horse was heard in the distance -- First dead , as if on turf it trode , Then , clattering on the village road In other pace than forth he yode . `` We shall soon know now , one way or other . ''