ten o'clock at
night
-- he said , jealously , to the dogs -- `` she fed you -- I know she did -- she patted and pampered you , eh , did n't she ? She likes dogs -- you may thank your lucky stars she does ! '' But they only raised their eager heads , and turned their loving eyes upon him , prepared to let loose pandemonium as soon as he showed signs of moving . `` Well , you do n't expect me to take you out for a walk at ten o'clock at night , do you ? -- idiots ! '' he hurled at them reprovingly ; and after another moment of bright-eyed interrogation , disappointment descended , and down went their noses on their paws again . * * * * * His trust in the tender steadfastness of Mary 's character made itself powerfully felt in these solitary moments .