about four o'clock
`` Then I will not , '' returned Mr. B. Will this instance , my dear , come up to your demand for one , where he recedes from his own will , in complaisance to mine ? But now , as to what both our notions and our practice are on the article of my retirements , and whether he breaks in upon them unceremoniously , and without apology , let the conversation I promised inform you , which began on the following occasion . Mr. B. rode out early one morning , within a few days past , and did not return till the afternoon ; an absence I had not been used to of late ; and breakfasting and dining without him being also a new thing with me , I had such an impatience to see him , having expected him at dinner , that I was forced to retire to my closet , to try to divert it , by writing ; and the gloomy conclusion of my last was then the subject . He returned about four o'clock , and indeed did _ not _ tarry to change his riding-dress , as your politeness , my dear friend , would perhaps have expected ; but came directly up to me , with an impatience to see me , equal to my own , when he was told , upon enquiry , that I was in my closet . I heard his welcome step , as he came up stairs ; which generally , after a longer absence than I expect , has such an effect upon my fond heart , that it gives a responsive throb for every step he takes towards me , and beats quicker and faster , as he comes nearer . I met him at my closet door . `` So , my dear love , '' says he , `` how do you ? ''