seven o'clock
They are doing their duty , and that ought to keep them cheerful . ' Monica could have said many things , but she overcame the desire , and laughed the subject aside . Nor till mid-winter did Barfoot again see his friends the Micklethwaites . By invitation he went to South Tottenham on New Year 's Eve , and dined with them at seven o'clock . He was the first guest that had entered the house since their marriage . From the very doorstep Everard became conscious of a domestic atmosphere that told soothingly upon his nerves . The little servant who opened to him exhibited a gentle , noiseless demeanour which was no doubt the result of careful discipline .