ten o'clock
Sophia 's eyes were red ; and there was every promise in her face that the slightest word spoken to her would again open the sluices of her tears . Mrs Grey 's countenance was to the last degree dismal : but she talked -- talked industriously , of everything she could think of . This was the broadest possible hint to the sisters not to inquire what was the matter ; and they therefore went on sewing and conversing very diligently till they thought they might relieve Mrs Grey by offering to retire . They hesitated only because Mr Grey had not come in ; and he so regularly appeared at ten o'clock , that they had never yet retired without having enjoyed half an hour 's chat with him . `` Sophia , my dear , '' said her mother , `` are the night candles there ? Light your cousins ' candles . -- I am sure they are wishing to go ; and it is getting late .