about seven o'clock
But , short of a foolish attempt to carry the post office by storm , he saw no means of realizing his desire . He must , perforce , await the less troubled hours of the morrow or next day . Doris would surely give her father an exact account of the conversation between Grant , Furneaux , and herself that morning , and that greatly perplexed man could hardly fail to see how unjust was the tittle-tattle of the village . So , avoiding Mrs. Bates , whose fell intent it was to ask him what he wanted for dinner , he struck off along the road to Knoleworth , walked eight miles in two hours , and reached The Hollies about seven o'clock , rather inclined for a meal and much more contented with life . Minnie announced that a gentleman `` who brought a bag '' had been awaiting him since half-past five , and was now asleep on the lawn ! A glance at the aforesaid bag , still reposing in the entrance hall , sent Grant quickly into the garden . A long , broad-shouldered person was stretched on a wicker chair , and evidently enjoying a nap .