six o'clock
I said that Miss Polly was kept in her room , and after the first day no one allowed to go near her . Mrs. Cameron herself would take her up her meals , and take the tray away again , and very little the poor dear would eat , for I often saw what come out . It would go to your heart , sir , that it would , for a healthier appetite than Miss Polly 's there ai n't in the family . Well , sir , Miss Helen had a letter from you this morning , saying as how you 'd be back by six o'clock , and after dinner she went up to Miss Polly 's door , and I heard her , for I was walking with baby up and down the passage . It was beautiful to hear the loving way Miss Helen spoke , Doctor ; she was kneeling down and singing her words through the key-hole . ` Father 'll be home to-night , Polly , ' she said -- ` keep up heart , Poll dear -- father 'll be home to-night , and he 'll make everything happy again . ' Nothing could have been more tender than Miss Helen 's voice , it would have moved anybody .