nine
in the evening
His reply was that he should be happy to escort her that night . From the stair-head she told him that she could not wait till night . He declared it impossible to make provision for her comfort along the road without a few hours ' notice by a horseman sent forward . The messenger was already saddling his horse , and by nine in the evening the rest of the party would follow . At nine the lady was on her pillion , but now comfortably clad in a country dress -- homely , but warm . It was dark , but she was informed that the party thoroughly knew their road , and that in four or five days they should have the benefit of the young moon . So , after four or five days , they were to be still travelling !