about ten o'clock
He was effectually puzzled ; his surmises and conjectures baffled ; and he more than half repented that he had acceded to his cousin 's proposal , and admitted him as an inmate of his house . Although Sir Wynston comported himself as if he were conscious of being the very most welcome visitor who could possibly have established himself at Gray Forest , he was , doubtless , fully aware of the real feelings with which he was regarded by his host . If he had in reality an object in prolonging his stay , and wished to make the postponement of his departure the direct interest of his entertainer , he unquestionably took effectual measures for that purpose . The little party broke up every evening at about ten o'clock , and Sir Wynston retired to his chamber at the same hour . He found little difficulty in inducing Marston to amuse him there with a quiet game of piquet . In his own room , therefore , in the luxurious ease of dressing gown and slippers he sat at cards with his host , often until an hour or two past midnight . Sir Wynston was exorbitantly wealthy , and very reckless in expenditure .