ten o'clock
A big blue-bottle over in the corner under the rafters was making a final decision to explore the filmy lace web beneath the window where a fat old spider had been patiently waiting for him , and he gave his last buzz of freedom before he hopped in . This was all the sound that broke the silence . Rachel held her breath , and fixed her black eyes at a point straight ahead , positively sure if she withdrew her gaze she would burst out crying . `` So you will be ready to go at ten o'clock , Rachel , for Miss Parrott will send for you then , '' Mrs. Henderson was saying . And in a minute more the parson 's wife was going down the garret stairs ; Rachel , with a heart full of woe , slowly following , leaving the big garret to the fat old spider , who was busily weaving her silken threads in glee over her prisoner . And Rachel 's woeful face was more than matched by the countenances of the two boys of the parson 's family , who were not at all pleased that the companion sent to them by Mrs. Fisher , and who had turned out surprisingly just to their liking , should be suddenly torn away from them even for a single day . And they followed disapprovingly around , hanging upon all the preparations for the momentous visit , with a very bad influence upon Rachel 's endeavor to control herself .