about nine o'clock
Besides the girl 's mother , Tupcombe was the only member of the household who suspected Betty 's tender feelings towards young Phelipson , so unhappily generated on her return from school ; and he could therefore imagine , even better than her fond father , what would be her emotions on the sudden announcement of Reynard 's advent that evening at King 's - Hintock Court . So he rode and rode , desponding and hopeful by turns . He felt assured that , unless in the unfortunate event of the almost immediate arrival of her son-in law at his own heels , Mrs. Dornell would not be able to hinder Betty 's departure for her father 's bedside . It was about nine o'clock that , having put twenty miles of country behind him , he turned in at the lodge-gate nearest to Ivell and King 's - Hintock village , and pursued the long north drive -- itself much like a turnpike road -- which led thence through the park to the Court . Though there were so many trees in King 's - Hintock park , few bordered the carriage roadway ; he could see it stretching ahead in the pale night light like an unrolled deal shaving . Presently the irregular frontage of the house came in view , of great extent , but low , except where it rose into the outlines of a broad square tower . As Tupcombe approached he rode aside upon the grass , to make sure , if possible , that he was the first comer , before letting his presence be known .