about two o'clock
Surely she must have meant that ; for she spoke with a peculiar intonation -- a look -- By the second morning he had worked himself up to a persuasion that yonder by the seaside Constance was expecting him . To miss the opportunity would be to prove himself dull of apprehension , a laggard in love . With trembling hands , he hurried through his toilet and made haste downstairs to examine a railway time-table . He found it was possible to reach Bournemouth by about two o'clock , a very convenient hour ; it would allow him to take refreshment , and walk to the house shortly after three . His conviction strong as ever , he came to the journey 's end , and in due course discovered the pleasant little house of which Constance had spoken . At the door , his heart failed him ; but retreat could not now be thought of . Yes , Mrs. Palmer was at home .