five minutes past four
I sought my own happiness , as well as yours , in asking you to be my wife . So you need never feel burdened by the idea that you are under any special obligation to me , to whom you are the very sunshine of life . '' `` Dear Ned , how very kind in you to say so , '' she responded , gazing with ardent affection into his eyes ; `` but it is n't burdensome to be under obligation to you , any more than it is a trial to be ruled by you , '' she added , with playful tenderness ; `` and I love to think of all your goodness to me . '' It was five minutes past four by Zoe 's watch , and she just about to go to her dressing-room to put on her hat and cloak , when visitors were announced , -- some ladies who always made a lengthened call at Ion ; so she at once resigned herself to the loss of her anticipated drive with her husband . `` O Ned ! '' she whispered in a hasty , vexed aside , `` you 'll have to go alone . '' `` Yes , dear , '' he returned ; `` but I 'll try to get back in time to take you a drive in the other direction . ''