ten o'clock at night
The moon continued to shine -- and at intervals with brightness sufficient for his purpose , which was simply to reconnoitre , as closely as possible , the little sequestered locality -- to ascertain what it might contain , and _ what were its capabilities _ . At length he approached the old yew-tree , against the huge trunk of which he leaned with folded arms , apparently in a revery . Hearing a noise as of some one opening the gate by which he had entered , he glided farther into the gloom behind him ; and turning his head in the direction whence the sound came , he beheld some one entering the churchyard . His heart beat quickly ; and he suspected that he had been watched : yet there was surely no harm in being seen , at ten o'clock at night , looking about him in a country churchyard ! -- It was a gentleman who entered , dressed in deep mourning ; and Gammon quickly recognized in him Mr. Aubrey -- the brother of her whose beautiful image still shone before his mind 's eye . What could he be wanting there ? -- at that time of night ?