nearly midnight
`` We must n't appear in the village again this afternoon , on any account . It is absolutely necessary we should keep out of sight . '' `` True , '' agreed Uncle John , promptly . `` Thomas and Nora must picnic here all by themselves , until nearly midnight . Then they may drive the buggy home , leading Daniel behind them . It will be time enough tomorrow to get a new buggy wheel , and the broken surrey wo n't be in anybody 's way until we send for it . '' If Old Hucks thought they had all gone crazy that day he was seemingly justified in the suspicion , for his master left the baskets of good things to be consumed by himself and Nora and started to walk to the farm , the Major and Louise accompanying him .