Nearly midnight
`` I was sent to report it , '' said Lena weakly . `` I 'm going home now . '' `` Going home alone ? Nearly midnight ? '' `` What else can I do ? It 's what the other girls -- reporters , I mean -- have to do . '' `` I shall walk home with you , '' said Dick sharply , and he drew her aside into the shadow , as though ashamed of being seen , and piloted her in silence to the sidewalk .