eight o'clock
`` We 'll have tea directly , Eliza , '' said the doctor ; and Aunt Hannah hurried into the dining-room to measure out so many caddy spoonfuls into the hot silver pot , and pour in the first portion of boiling water , but listening for the expected footstep all the time . That meal did not go off well , for , in spite of the doctor 's assumed indifference , he was also anxious about his nephew . Aunt Hannah could not touch anything , and the doctor 's appetite was very little better ; but he set this down to the chicken being , as he said , dried to nothing , and the sausages being like horn -- exaggerations , both -- for , in spite of Martha 's threats , she was too proud of her skill in cooking to send up anything overdone . The open jam tart was untouched , and the opening of that pot of last year 's quince marmalade proved to have been unnecessary ; for , though Aunt Hannah paused again and again with her cup half-way to her lips , it was not Vane 's step that she heard ; and , as eight o'clock came , she could hardly keep back her tears . All at once the doctor rose and went into the hall , followed by Aunt Hannah , who looked at him wistfully as he put on a light overcoat , and took hat and stick . `` I 'll walk to the rectory , '' he said , `` and bring him back . '' Aunt Hannah laid her hand upon his arm , as he reached the door .