midnight
He had not been there above ten minutes , when he came out hastily , and walked quickly to the `` White Lion , '' the principal inn in Barkington . He went into the stable-yard , and said a few words to the ostler : then returned to his lodgings . The man followed him at a distance from Albion Terrace ; watched him home ; dogged him to the `` White Lion ; '' and , by-and-bye , entered the yard and offered the ostler a glass of ale at the tap . At Albion Villa they were working on Julia 's dresses till past midnight : and then Mrs. Dodd insisted on her going to bed . She obeyed ; but when the house was all quiet , came stealing out to her mother , and begged to sleep with her : the sad mother strained her in a tearful embrace : and so they passed the night ; clinging to one another more as the parting drew near . Edward arranged the wedding breakfast for after the ceremony ; and sent the ladies up a cup of coffee , and a bit of toast apiece . They could hardly find appetite even for this ; or indeed time ; there was so much still to do .