nearly
midnight
` But he 'll be in town between six and seven this evening , ' replied Newman . ` I ca n't keep it from him when he asks me . ' ` Then you must go out , Mr. Noggs , ' said Miss La Creevy . ` You can easily have been kept away by business , and must not return till nearly midnight . ' ` Then he will come straight here , ' retorted Newman . ` So I suppose , ' observed Miss La Creevy ; ` but he wo n't find me at home , for I 'll go straight to the city the instant you leave me , make up matters with Mrs. Nickleby , and take her away to the theatre , so that he may not even know where his sister lives . ' Upon further discussion , this appeared the safest and most feasible mode of proceeding that could possibly be adopted .