nearly eight o'clock
`` James can go for him if you wish , papa . '' `` Very well , dear , just say that I wish to see him , if at all possible . '' Marguerite glanced at the tiny alarm clock that stood on the table . It was nearly eight o'clock , and in all probability Mr. Lawson might not be found at home , but she gave the message to the trusty errand boy , and once more was installed as watcher in the sick room , having an uncomfortable dread of meeting the expectant visitor . `` James has indeed been successful , papa , '' cried the girl as she heard the well-known footsteps in the corridor , then hastily added , `` I shall be in the library , papa . You can ring when I am needed . '' Marguerite had not gone many steps when she stood face to face with Phillip Lawson .