eleven
o'clock
And so , after a consultation with Mr. Melleville , he entered upon his new employment , leaving his wife to spend the hours of his absence alone . Not idly were those hours spent . What she had at first proposed to do , she now began to execute . Without saying any thing to her husband , she had procured , from a friend who kept a fancy-store , and who took in from the ladies a great deal of work , some fine sewing ; and with this she was busily occupied until his return , which did not take place on the first night until near eleven o'clock . There was a slight drawback in the pleasure both felt in meeting at this late hour -- the drawback of weariness . Yet their hearts were tranquil and elevated in the consciousness that they were denying self for the good of another -- and that one most tenderly beloved . Again the way had become plain before them ; and if strength only were given to bear their increased burdens , they would move on with even lighter footsteps than before .