six o'clock
Hence a rather excessive politeness , such as the man who sets much store on breeding exhibits to those who may at any moment , even in a fraction of a syllable , prove themselves his inferiors . With men and women of the unmistakably lower orders , Buckland could converse in a genial tone that recommended him to their esteem ; on the borderland of refinement , his sympathies were repressed , and he held the distinctive part of his mind in reserve . Marcella desired to talk agreeably , but a weight lay upon her tongue ; she was struck with the resemblance in Warricombe 's features to those of his sister , and this held her in a troubled preoccupation , occasionally evident when she made a reply , or tried to diversify the talk by leading to a new topic . It was rather early in the afternoon , and she had slight hope that any other caller would appear ; a female face would have been welcome to her , even that of foolish Mrs. Morton , who might possibly look in before six o'clock . To her relief the door did presently open , but the sharp , creaking footstep which followed was no lady 's ; the servant announced Mr. Malkin . Marcella 's eyes gleamed strangely . Not with the light of friendly welcome , though for that it could be mistaken .