about half past ten o'clock
But Harriet was in a wicked humor herself , and she would not try to appease their cross host . She was having an extremely pleasant time with Peter Dillon , and really did not realize Ruth 's difficulties . The front car slowed imperceptibly , then hurried on again . At about half past ten o'clock , Mr. Meyers turned into one of the narrow old-fashioned streets of the town of Alexandria , which is just south-west of Washington . The town was only dimly lighted and the roads made winding turns , so that it was impossible to see any great distance ahead . Ruth had managed to keep her car going , though she had long since lost her sweet temper , and the others of her party were very angry . `` It serves us right , '' Hugh Post declared to Ruth .