about six o'clock
Upon the eve of the stiffest competitive examination those , now outlived , years of tutelage had imposed on him , he could still tumble into bed secure of lapsing into unconsciousness as soon as his head fairly touched the pillow . Dreams might , and usually did , visit him ; but as so much incidental music merely to the large content of slumber -- tittering up and down , too airily light-footed and evanescent to leave any impress on mind or spirits when he woke . This night , at Deadham Hard , marked a new departure ; sleep proving a less absolute break in continuity of sensation , a less absolute barrier between day and day . The Honourable Augustus and Mrs. Cowden , and Felicia Verity , not without last words , adjurations , commands and fussings , started on their twelve-mile drive home to Paulton Lacy about six o'clock . A little later Dr. McCabe conveyed himself , and his brogue , away in an ancient hired landau to catch the evening train from Marychurch to Stourmouth . Dinner followed , shortly after which Damaris vanished , along with her governess-companion , Miss Theresa Bilson -- a plump , round-visaged , pink-nosed little person , permanently wearing gold eyeglasses , the outstanding distinction of whose artless existence consisted , as Tom gathered from her conversation , in a tour in Rhineland and residence of some months ' duration at the university town of Bonn . Then , at last , came the harvest of the young man 's excursion , in the shape of first-hand records of war and government -- of intrigue and of sedition , followed by stern retributive chastisement -- from that famous soldier , autocratic and practised administrator , his host .