about five o’clock
Besides , what I had observed of Margaret 's father , especially during the latter part of my interview with him , showed me plainly enough that he was trying to conceal , under exaggerated surprise and assumed hesitation , his secret desire to profit at once by my offer ; which , whatever conditions might clog it , was infinitely more advantageous in a social point of view , than any he could have hoped for . It was not his delay in accepting my proposals , but the burden of deceit , the fetters of concealment forced on me by the proposals themselves , which now hung heavy on my heart . That evening I left Ewell , and rode towards home again , as far as Richmond , where I remained for the night and the forepart of the next day . I reached London in the afternoon ; and got to North Villa -- without going home first -- about five o'clock . The oppression was still on my spirits . Even the sight of the house where Margaret lived failed to invigorate or arouse me . On this occasion , when I was shown into the drawing-room , both Mr. and Mrs. Sherwin were awaiting me there .