ten o'clock at night
The Major puffed at his pipe in silence . Then he said , ` If you were to put on a thick veil , and we were to get out of the town by this end and make our way through the lanes -- it would be a long way round ; but one hardly meets anyone that way , and the only danger would be going . We should return in the dusk . I do n't care how late you make it ; my people wo n't be home till nine or ten o'clock at night , perhaps later still . There will be dancing , and they are sure to stay late . ' Finally the matter was decided , and about four o'clock the Major went to the livery stable to order the trap . Mrs Shepherd and Nellie joined him soon after .