about two o'clock
The three walked home , the distance being short and the night clear . `` Well , Giles is a very good fellow , '' said Mr. Melbury , as they struck down the lane under boughs which formed a black filigree in which the stars seemed set . `` Certainly he is , '' said Grace , quickly , and in such a tone as to show that he stood no lower , if no higher , in her regard than he had stood before . When they were opposite an opening through which , by day , the doctor 's house could be seen , they observed a light in one of his rooms , although it was now about two o'clock . `` The doctor is not abed yet , '' said Mrs. Melbury . `` Hard study , no doubt , '' said her husband . `` One would think that , as he seems to have nothing to do about here by day , he could at least afford to go to bed early at night .