two in the morning
`` Marjorie appears to think more highly of the other pedestrian , '' remarked Mrs. Du Plessis , to which Colonel Morton replied that Mr. Coristine was indeed a handsome and excellent young man , but lacked the correct bearing and dignified courtesy of his friend , and , he should judge , was much his inferior in point of education . When the tide of battle rolled away to the right , altogether out of sight and almost out of hearing , the double sentries were still at their posts , no doubt conversing with all propriety , but of what , they only individually knew . Even Miss Halbert did not confide to others the substance of a favourable criticism on Mr. Perrowne to which she treated her worthy father . It was between one and two in the morning when the victorious army returned , and was received with open arms , literally in the case of the Squire and the veteran , and of Mr. Hill and Rufus in the kitchen , metaphorically in that of the remaining combatants . Mr. Carruthers released the doctor , and took him to visit the wounded at the post office . The minister and the dominie were also relieved , and Mr. Hill and the Sesayder , at their own request , put in their vacant places ; while Maguffin dismounted , and , being armed with a gun and set in the doctor 's post , constituted a guardian trio with his late captors . Of course , the warriors and past sentries had to eat and drink in guard room and kitchen , the latter apartment being more hilarious than it would have been had the seniors on duty formed part of its company .