eleven o’clock
On the other hand , the face and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon me , and I could not think that his explanation of the fuller 's - earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my coming at midnight , and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell anyone of my errand . However , I threw all fears to the winds , ate a hearty supper , drove to Paddington , and started off , having obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue . `` At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station . However , I was in time for the last train to Eyford , and I reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock . I was the only passenger who got out there , and there was no one upon the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern . As I passed out through the wicket gate , however , I found my acquaintance of the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side . Without a word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage , the door of which was standing open .