ten o'clock before
Perhaps this is her native place , and it is to see her own people she comes here . '' Jane was obliged to be satisfied with this explanation , for no other was within her reach ; but it did not altogether allay her curiosity . The interview between Lady Eversleigh and her visitor was a long one . It was half-past ten o'clock before the strange-looking countryman quitted the blue parlour . This occurred three days before Christmas-day . On the following evening another stranger arrived at Frimley by the mail-coach , which passed through the quiet town at about seven o'clock . This traveller did not patronise the `` Rose and Crown '' inn , though the coach changed horses at that hostelry .