about nine o'clock
She had gone back to her own room without a word when they had desired her to do so ; caressing her child in her arms , and sitting down on the first chair she came to , with a heavy sigh , as if even this slight bodily exertion had been too much for her . They saw her eyes turn towards the door every time it was opened , and they thought it was with anxious expectation of one who could not be found , though many were seeking for him in all probable places . When night came some one had to tell her of her husband 's disappearance ; and Dr Morgan was the person who undertook this . He came into her room about nine o'clock ; her baby was sleeping in her arms ; she herself pale as death , still silent and tearless , though strangely watchful of gestures and sounds , and probably cognizant of more than they imagined . ` Well , Mrs. Hepburn , ' said he , as cheerfully as he could , ` I should advise your going to bed early ; for I fancy your husband wo n't come home to-night . Some journey or other , that perhaps Coulson can explain better than I can , will most likely keep him away till to-morrow . It 's very unfortunate that he should be away at such a sad time as this , as I 'm sure he 'll feel when he returns ; but we must make the best of it . '