about midnight
The thing had not , however , taken place ; and he went on thinking how soft and warm the lady was in her fur covering , as he held her so tightly ; the only dry spots in the clothing of either being her left side and his right , where they excluded the rain by their mutual pressure . As soon as they had crossed the ferry-bridge there was a little more shelter , but he did not relinquish his hold till she requested him . They passed the ruined castle , and having left the island far behind them trod mile after mile till they drew near to the outskirts of the neighbouring watering-place . Into it they plodded without pause , crossing the harbour bridge about midnight , wet to the skin . He pitied her , and , while he wondered at it , admired her determination . The houses facing the bay now sheltered them completely , and they reached the vicinity of the new railway terminus -LRB- which the station was at this date -RRB- without difficulty . As he had said , there was only one house open hereabout , a little temperance inn , where the people stayed up for the arrival of the morning mail and passengers from the Channel boats .