midnight
Then came two pack-horses , led by a fellow who controlled them both ; and my fourth man closed the dismal cavalcade . So we went through the streets -- all the way down the Strand and into the City , wheeled to the left , and so out by Bishopsgate . It was a clear kind of day , without rain : but the clouds hung low , and I thought it would rain before nightfall . I intended to do the whole journey in a day ; so as to be at Hare Street before midnight at least . A night on the way , and Dolly 's company at supper , all alone with me , or even with her maid , appeared to me too formidable to face . When we were out in the country , I reined my horse in . I saw a change pass over Dolly 's face ; then it became like stone .