ten o'clock before
I see ! '' Maria muttered . `` Well , I never ! '' It was ten o'clock before sounds above indicated that the first interview between trustee and beneficiary was finished . `` I 'll be going on to open our side-door , '' said Maria . `` Say good night to Mrs. Scales for me . '' She was not sure whether Charles Critchlow had really meant her to go home , or whether her mere absence from the drawing-room had contented him .