ten o'clock
He looked her steadily in the face , and saw that she saw him ; for a quick flush overspread her countenance . But , averting her eyes , she passed him without a further sign of recognition . At night-fall , the boy did not return to his home . Anxiously did the time pass with Mrs. Howland until ten o'clock , and yet he was away . Eleven -- twelve -- one o'clock , pealed on the ear of the watching mother , but he came not . It was all in vain that her husband remonstrated with her . His words passed her unheeded ; and she remained waiting and watching , until near the hour of morning , but her waiting and watching were all in vain .