three o'clock in the
morning
The dominie was terribly concerned about that lady 's single-handed contest with the desperate robber , and would not be satisfied until she came in person to let him know she was not hurt in the least , that Marjorie deserved all the credit of the capture , and that the unhappy youth had seemed so taken aback by the character of his hall assailants as to be almost incapable of resistance . The colonel smoked , and sipped , and smiled incredulously , as much as to say , You may believe this young person if you like , my dear boy , but there is somebody who knows better , and can make allowance for a young lady 's charming self-depreciation . Mrs. Carruthers , grateful for the safety of her husband and her father , and Mrs. Carmichael , for that of her brother and Mr. Errol , were prepared to be hospitable to a degree . The minister had another opportunity of praising the toddy which the latter lady brewed , and Mr. Perrowne said : `` It is n't half bad , you know , but I dow n't know what Miss Crimmage 's Band of Howpe would think of it , if she knew the two temperance champions were imbibing at three o'clock in the morning . '' The minister remarked that he did n't care for all the Crimmages in the world , nor the Crummages either , whatever he meant by that , for there was no such name in the neighbourhood . `` Basil , '' said Miss Halbert , `` you had better take care . I shall not allow you any toddy , remember , but shall subscribe for the Montreal _ Weekly Witness _ '' .