five o'clock
`` It will be all right , '' her father again assured Elizabeth , speaking with forced cheerfulness when they were alone . Ten -- twenty minutes slipped by ; minutes that were infinitely precious , then a step sounded in the hall . It was the servant who entered the room , however . He came to say that a message had that moment been received from the governor ; he was detained at the capitol , and probably would not reach home before five o'clock . `` Does he say he will see us there ? '' asked the general . `` He did n't mention you , sir ; perhaps he has forgotten , but I thought you 'd wish to know . ''