nearly ten o'clock
A policeman pulled the little soldier by the arm ; his drab figure with eyes fixed and lustreless , passed down and away . From his very soul Mr. Bosengate wanted to lean out and say : `` Cheer up , cheer up ! I understand . '' It was nearly ten o'clock that evening before he reached home , motoring back from the route march . His physical tiredness was abated , for he had partaken of a snack and a whisky and soda at the hotel ; but mentally he was in a curious mood . His body felt appeased , his spirit hungry . Tonight he had a yearning , not for his wife 's kisses , but for her understanding .