About seven o'clock
The sickness was great , and Jan , in spite of his horse 's help , was , as he often said , nearly worked off his legs . He had been hastening to a patient when encountered by Lionel and Captain Cannonby . From that patient he had to hasten to others , in a succession of relays , as it were , all day long ; sometimes his own legs in requisition , sometimes the horse 's . About seven o'clock he got home to tea , at which Miss Deborah made him comfortable . Truth to say , Miss Deborah felt rather inclined to pet Jan as a son . He had gone there a boy , and Miss Deb , though the years since had stolen on and on , and had changed Jan into a man , had not allowed her ideas to keep pace with them . So do we cheat ourselves !