midnight
There is a moon , and there is no snow falling , and we are within seven miles of Fellside . ' The doctor had nothing further to say against the arrangement , although such a drive seemed to him a somewhat wild and reckless proceeding . Mr. Steadman 's grave , self-possessed manner answered all doubts . Mr. Evans filled in the certificate for the undertaker , drank a glass of hot brandy and water , and remounted his nag , in nowise relishing his midnight ride , but consoling himself with the reflection that he would be handsomely paid for his trouble . An hour later Lady Maulevrier 's travelling carriage stood ready in the stable yard , in the deep shadow of wall and gables . It was at Steadman 's order that the carriage waited for her ladyship at an obscure side door , rather than in front of the inn . An east wind was blowing keenly along the mountain road , and the careful Steadman was anxious his mistress should not be exposed to that chilly blast .