eight o'clock
Miriam 's prompt reply stated that business had called David to Chicago . She expected that he would return to New York that very day . The information brought the comforting assurance that once the letter had come into his possession David would not fail them . On the evening following the receipt of Miriam 's letter , an anxious-eyed young man swung off the eight o'clock train into Oakdale , and hailing a taxicab was whirled away from the station toward the Harlowe 's home . `` David ! '' was all Grace could find words for , when , entering the living-room , her girlhood friend sprang forward to meet her with outstretched hand of sympathy . `` I 'm more sorry than I can say , Grace , '' David burst forth , as , motioning him to a chair , Grace sat down opposite him .