nearly eleven o'clock
Never since her marriage had Mrs. Uhler spent so troubled an evening as that one proved to be . A dozen times she rallied herself -- a dozen times she appealed to her independence and individuality as a woman , against the o'er-shadowing concern about her husband , which came gradually stealing upon her mind . And with this uncomfortable feeling were some intruding and unwelcome thoughts , that in no way stimulated her self-approval . It was nearly eleven o'clock when Mr. Uhler came home ; and then he brought in his clothes such rank fumes of tobacco , and his breath was so tainted with brandy , that his wife had no need of inquiry as to where he had spent his evening . His countenance wore a look of vacant unconcern . `` Ah ! At home , are you ? ''