ten in the
evening
Jeffrey Palliser , bargaining that he might be allowed a cigar , promised that he would do as he was bidden . The party at Matching Priory had by this time become very small . There were indeed no guests left , not counting those of the Palliser family , excepting Miss Vavasor , Mr. Bott , and an old lady who had been a great friend of Mr. Palliser 's mother . It was past ten in the evening when Lady Glencora declared that the time had arrived for them to carry out their purpose . She invited the two Miss Pallisers to join her , but they declined , urging their fear of the night air , and showing by their manner that they thought the proposition a very imprudent one . Mr. Bott offered to accompany them , but Lady Glencora declined his attendance very stoutly . `` No , indeed , Mr. Bott ; you were one of those who preached a sermon against my dissipation in the morning , and I 'm not going to allow you to join it , now the time for its enjoyment has come . ''