4 o'clock precisely
`` Do hurry up father '' exclaimed Helen at last , `` I want to have the room nice and tidy for Gladys and Mr. Palsey . '' `` My dear I wont starve for any amount of grand ladies '' replied Mr. Winston heartily . Helen smiled languidly and began to arrange the flower stand by the window . At 4 o'clock precisely a dainty little dog cart drew up at Beach Dale . Helen , peeping from behind the drawing room curtains , saw , first a tall man dressed in a blue suit and black hat and gloves , jump down from the cart and hold out his hand to a young lady who tripped lightly down and tossed a silver coin to the coachman . The next moment the drawing room door was flung open and Marshland 's clear voice was heard announcing , `` Miss Lincarrol -- Mr. Palsey . '' `` Oh dear Gladys , I am so delighted to see you '' cried Helen in her sweetest tones .