midnight
She said very simply -- almost childishly -- taking her father-in-law 's hand the while , `` If you please , and if you would not be angry , I would rather do exactly as my husband likes . He knows best . '' In these words she had exhausted all her boldness ; and for a few minutes after had a very indistinct notion of everything , save that the Squire had walked off , not angrily , but in perfect silence , leaning on Miss Valery 's arm , and that she was left in the dining-room alone with Nathanael . `` So here is the result of family dinner-parties , and family-talks kept up till midnight ! '' said Mary Harper , with a little natural acerbity . `` It is provoking for the mistress of a precise household to sit waiting breakfast for a whole hour . '' `` Mary , be charitable !