nine o'clock
Mrs. Dudley bent her head , and whispered soft words of caress , grateful that to Polly it was given to weigh the things of life in a true balance . Patricia mourned with many words over Dr. Dudley 's refusal of her mother 's offer ; but the friendship of the new cousins was not lessened , and they were often at each other 's homes . On a gray morning in early February Dr. Dudley started for New York . `` I shall probably be back on the nine o'clock train , '' he told his wife ; `` but the paper says there is a big snowstorm on the way , and for fear I may be delayed I have left word for Joe to come and fill up the heater . '' Joe was a boy that did odd jobs about the house , and was familiar with the heater . `` He will probably be here early in the evening , '' the Doctor went on ; `` but I can see to it again when I get home . '' Polly went to school with the snowflakes flying around her .