nearly midnight
` Yours faithfully , ` C. EDMONSTONE . ' This letter was more harsh than Philip wished ; but Mr. Edmonstone would hardly be prevailed on to consent to enter on no further reproaches . He insisted on banishing Deloraine , as well as on the mention of Guy 's disrespect , both against his nephew 's opinion ; but it was necessary to let him have his own way on these points , and Philip thought himself fortunate in getting a letter written which was in any degree rational and moderate . They had been so busy , and Mr. Edmonstone so excited , that Philip thought it best to accept the offer of tea being sent them in the dining-room , and it was not till nearly midnight that their conference broke up , when Mr. Edmonstone found his wife sitting up by the dressing-room fire , having shut Charles 's door , sorely against his will . ` There , ' began Mr. Edmonstone , ` you may tell Amy she may give him up , and a lucky escape she has had . But this is what comes of settling matters in my absence . ' So he proceeded with the narration , mixing the facts undistinguishably with his own surmises , and overwhelming his wife with dismay .