seven o'clock
She was afraid her master might be inclined to find fault with Peter for his helplessness . `` Rain and snaw , and frost and fog , and wind like newly-sharpened knives -- a body doesna ken what 's coming next , '' she said indignantly when she went to tell the doctor about it . He reassured Lisbeth by his kindly sympathy , and the old woman wept with joy when he told her that so long as he was alive there would be a home for his faithful servants at Hunters ' Brae , whether they were past work or not . The party was to begin at seven o'clock , and Mrs. Forester had promised to send a carriage for Marjory at half-past six , so that she should be there in good time and feel at home before the other guests arrived . But things were to turn out very differently from all expectations . Contrary to his usual habit , Dr. Hunter had not appeared at early dinner that day , nor had he left any message ; but it was concluded that he had gone to the Morisons ' , or to the minister 's , perhaps . He did not return during the afternoon , and when tea-time came and still he did not appear , Marjory began to feel anxious .