eleven p.m.
Walking to the window , he stood for some moments , with his hands folded behind him , and as he noted the splendour of the spectacle presented by the risen sun shining upon temples and palaces of ice , prism-tinting domes and minarets , and burnishing after the similitude of silver stalactites and arcades which had built themselves into crystal campaniles , more glorious than Giotto 's , -- the pastor said : `` The physical world , just as God left it , -- how pure , how lovely , how entirely good ; -- how sacred from His hallowing touch ! Oh that the world of men and women were half as unchangingly true , stainless , and holy ! '' An hour later he bent his steps , -- not to the lawyer 's , nor yet to the insurance office , but to the depot of the only railroad which passed through the quiet , old-fashioned , and comparatively unimportant town of V -- . The station agent was asleep upon a sofa in the reception-room , but when aroused informed Dr. Hargrove that the down train bound south had been accidentally detained four hours , and instead of being `` on time , '' due at eleven p.m. , did not pass through V -- until after three a.m. . A lady , corresponding in all respects with the minister 's description , had arrived about seven on the up train , left a small valise , or rather traveller 's satchel , for safe keeping in the baggage-room ; had inquired at what time she could catch the down train , signifying her intention to return upon it , and had hired one of the carriages always waiting for passengers , and disappeared . About eleven o'clock she came back , paid the coachman , and dismissed the carriage ; seemed very cold , and the agent built a good fire , telling her she could take a nap as the train was behind time , and he would call her when he heard the whistle . He then went home , several squares distant , to see one of his children who was quite ill , and when he returned to the station and peeped into the reception-room to see if it kept warm and comfortable not a soul was visible .