About eight o'clock
Some six months after this happy change , Mrs. Harland one evening noticed that her husband seemed very much downcast and dejected . After tea , she tried vainly to interest him in conversation . He had a certain nervous restlessness in his manner , which always troubled her , knowing , as she did , that it was caused by the cravings of that appetite for strong drink , which at times still returned with almost overwhelming force . About eight o'clock he took down his hat preparatory to going out . She questioned him as to where he was going , but could obtain no satisfactory reply ; her heart sank within her ; but she was aware that remonstrance would be useless . She remained for a few moments , after he left the house , in deep thought , then suddenly rising she exclaimed aloud , `` I will at least make one effort to save him . '' She well knew that should he take but one glass , all his former resolves would be as nothing .