eight o'clock
`` Why , I remember Monroe as the field between two sheep-ranches . There was not a blade of wheat , not a fruit tree -- '' He was well started . Martie listened to an hour 's complacent reminiscence . At eight o'clock he went to his study , but came back a moment later , with his glasses pushed up on his lead-coloured forehead , to say that the sum old Tait mentioned would clear the mortgage , build a handsome house , and perhaps leave a bit over for Martie and her boy . At nine he appeared again , to say that he would deed the new house to Lydia , who would undoubtedly take the change a little hard -- a little hard ! `` Yes , '' said old Malcolm thoughtfully , from the doorway , glancing , with his spectacles still on his forehead , at the pencilled list he had in his hand . `` Yes , I believe I have hit upon the solution !