ten o'clock
`` But how very light it is . '' `` It is almost the longest day in the year , and there has n't been a cloud all day . '' They started to walk home all together , and Tom gradually recovered himself , but left the labouring oar to Hardy , who did his work very well , and persuaded the ladies to go on and see the Ratcliffe by moonlight -- the only time to see it , as he said , because of the shadows -- and just to look in at the old quadrangle of St. Ambrose . It was almost ten o'clock when they stopped at the lodgings in High-street . While they were waiting for the door to be opened , Hardy said -- `` I really must apologize , Miss Winter , to you , for my intrusion to-night . I hope your father will allow me to call on him . '' `` Oh yes !