four in the afternoon
However , one morning , about the middle of September , Caroline Crochard 's roguish face stood out so brightly against the dark background of the room , looking so fresh among the belated flowers and faded leaves that twined round the window-bars , the daily scene was gay with such contrasts of light and shade , of pink and white blending with the light material on which the pretty needlewoman was working , and with the red and brown hues of the chairs , that the stranger gazed very attentively at the effects of this living picture . In point of fact , the old woman , provoked by her `` Black Gentleman 's '' indifference , had made such a clatter with her bobbins that the gloomy and pensive passer-by was perhaps prompted to look up by the unusual noise . The stranger merely exchanged glances with Caroline , swift indeed , but enough to effect a certain contact between their souls , and both were aware that they would think of each other . When the stranger came by again , at four in the afternoon , Caroline recognized the sound of his step on the echoing pavement ; they looked steadily at each other , and with evident purpose ; his eyes had an expression of kindliness which made him smile , and Caroline colored ; the old mother noted them with satisfaction . Ever after that memorable afternoon , the Gentleman in Black went by twice a day , with rare exceptions , which both the women observed . They concluded from the irregularity of the hours of his homecoming that he was not released so early , nor so precisely punctual as a subordinate official . All through the first three winter months , twice a day , Caroline and the stranger thus saw each other for so long as it took him to traverse the piece of road that lay along the length of the door and three windows of the house .