nearly midnight
Whatever depth she sank to , she was his wife , and he must tread step by step with her the path that ran through all the future . But if any one could help her , and lead her back out of her present bondage , it was he ; and he must not fail her in any extremity for lack of pity and tenderness . He was about to speak again , when a loud , rough noise broke in upon the quiet of the house . It was nearly midnight ; and Ann Holland 's drunken brother was stumbling and staggering through his shop into the peaceful little kitchen , Sophy sat up and listened . They could hear his thick , coarse voice shouting out snatches of vulgar songs , mingled with oaths at his sister , who was doing her utmost to persuade him to go quietly to bed . His shambling step , dragging across the floor , seemed about to enter the darkened room where they were sitting ; and Sophy caught her husband 's arm , clinging to it with fright . It was a more bitter moment for Mr. Chantrey than even for her .