Half past eight
The drawing room at Rockhold presented a very attractive appearance , with its three chandeliers of lighted wax candles , its cheerful fire of sea coal , its warm crimson and gold coloring of carpets and curtains , and its luxurious easy chairs , sofas and ottomans , its choice pictures , books , bronzes and so forth . In the small dining room the table was set for dinner , in the best spare room all was prepared for its expected occupant . Cora , in her widow 's cap and dress , sat in an arm chair before the drawing room fire , awaiting the arrival . Half past eight had been the hour named by her grandfather for their coming . But a few minutes after the clock had struck , the sound of carriage wheels was heard on the avenue approaching the house . Old Jason opened the hall door just as the vehicle drew up and stopped . Mr. Rockharrt alighted and then gave his hand to his companion , who tripped lightly to the pavement , and let him lead her up stairs and into the house .