four o'clock
This halt at Frankfort was taken on their way home , and its impressions were kept the more actively vibrating in him by the duty of caring for Mirah 's welfare . That question about his parentage , which if he had not both inwardly and outwardly shaken it off as trivial , would have seemed a threat rather than a promise of revelation , and reinforced his anxiety as to the effect of finding Mirah 's relatives and his resolve to proceed with caution . If he made any unpleasant discovery , was he bound to a disclosure that might cast a new net of trouble around her ? He had written to Mrs. Meyrick to announce his visit at four o'clock , and he found Mirah seated at work with only Mrs. Meyrick and Mab , the open piano , and all the glorious company of engravings . The dainty neatness of her hair and dress , the glow of tranquil happiness in a face where a painter need have changed nothing if he had wanted to put it in front of the host singing `` peace on earth and good will to men , '' made a contrast to his first vision of her that was delightful to Deronda 's eyes . Mirah herself was thinking of it , and immediately on their greeting said , `` See how different I am from the miserable creature by the river ! all because you found me and brought me to the very best . ''