nearly ten o'clock
`` Diogenes would be no barrier to their love-making , '' I told her . `` He could n't repeat what they said ; at least , not so anyone could understand him . '' Many miles away we came upon a picturesque little old-time tavern where we had an appetizing dinner , and then continued on our aimless way . It was nearly ten o'clock when we returned to the hotel , where the owner of the `` autoo '' was waiting . Rob came down the roadway . `` Where 's Beth ? '' asked Silvia .