about nine o’clock in the evening
After a moment Julia told them that she had had to deliver a party dress to Florence Woodburn at Mr. Graham 's house one evening and , while waiting in the hall , had heard Florence read a letter from Nellie Stanton aloud to Alice Graham . In the letter , Nellie said that Mrs. Middleton was not expected to live and that Dr. Lacey and Fanny from New Orleans were with her . This news caused her to resign her position at Miss Dillon 's and hurry home . `` I reached Lexington , '' said she , `` about nine o'clock in the evening , and as I thought my baggage might incommode me , I purposely left it there , but hired a boy to bring me home . When we reached the gate at the entrance of the woods I told him he could return , as I preferred going the remainder of the way alone . He seemed surprised , but complied with my request . I had never heard of the new house , and as I drew near I was puzzled , and fancied I was wrong ; but Tiger bounded forward , at first angrily , then joyfully , and I knew I was right .