half after twelve
`` My dear -- my girl , how shall I thank you ? Think you I do n't know what it hath cost you -- and the proof you have given me that your heart is mine . My wife -- my sweetheart ! '' 'T was half after twelve when Mrs Gunning returned with Maria , being a prudent woman , and resolved that , if the criminal did not hang himself , it should not be for want of rope . `` The chariot 's at the door and the light still in the parlour ! '' she whispered ; `` sure , he ca n't be there still ? Heaven send he be not drunk and asleep .