eight
o’clock
No friendly voice welcomed them back . Old Kitson looked cross at being roused out of his bed at one o'clock in the morning , to admit them into the house , muttering as he did so , something about `` unlucky folks , and the deal of trouble they gave ; that they had better give up going to Canada altogether , and hire their old lodgings again ; that it was no joke , having his rest broken at his time of life ; that he could not afford to keep open house at all hours , for people who were in no ways related to him . '' With such consoling expressions of sympathy in their forlorn condition , did the hard , worldly old man proceed to unlock the door of their former domicile ; but food , lights , and firing , he would not produce , until Lyndsay had promised ample remuneration for the same . Exhausted in mind and body , for she had not broken her fast since eight o'clock that morning , Flora for a long time refused to partake of the warm cup of tea her loving partner had made with his own hands for her especial benefit ; and her tears continued to fall involuntarily over the sleeping babe which lay upon her lap . Mr. Hawke saw that her nerves were completely unstrung by fatigue , and ran across the green , and called up Flora 's nurse to take charge of the infant . Mrs. Clarke , kind creature that she was , instantly hurried to the house to do what she could for the mother and child . Little Josey was soon well warmed and fed , and Flora smiled through her tears , when her husband made his appearance .