about eight o'clock
He ate but little , and that mechanically ; and seemed to feel , for once , little or no interest in his newspaper . He had never paid the least attention to the _ eulogia _ upon Miss Aubrey of the idiot Titmouse , nor of Snap , of whom he entertained but a very little higher opinion than of Titmouse . One thing was clear , that from that moment Miss Aubrey formed a new element in Mr. Gammon 's calculations ; and for aught I know , may occasion very different results from those originally contemplated by that calm and crafty person . As it proved a moonlight night , he resolved at once to set about the important business which had brought him into Yorkshire ; and for that purpose set off about eight o'clock on his walk to Yatton . About ten o'clock he might have been seen gliding noiselessly into the churchyard , like a dangerous snake . The moon continued to shine -- and at intervals with brightness sufficient for his purpose , which was simply to reconnoitre , as closely as possible , the little sequestered locality -- to ascertain what it might contain , and _ what were its capabilities _ . At length he approached the old yew-tree , against the huge trunk of which he leaned with folded arms , apparently in a revery .