nine o'clock
Polly cried at the parting , which might be final ; then blew her nose and dried her eyes ; for she had a busy day before her . Tilly Beamish had been waiting with ill-concealed impatience for Zara to vacate the spare room , and was to arrive that night . Mahony was not at home to welcome the new-comer , nor could he be present at high tea . When he returned , towards nine o'clock , he found Polly with a very red face , and so full of fussy cares for her guest 's comfort -- her natural kindliness distorted to caricature -- that she had not a word for him . One look at Miss Tilly explained everything , and his respects duly paid he retired to the surgery , to indulge a smile at Polly 's expense . Here Polly soon joined him , Tilly , fatigued by her journey and by her bounteous meal , having betaken herself early to bed . `` Ha , ha ! ''