three o'clock
The season was unpropitious for accidental encounters with her out-of-doors , and except by accident he saw not how they were to become acquainted . One thing was clear -- any acquaintance with her could only , with a due regard to his future , be casual , at most of the nature of a flirtation ; for he had high aims , and they would some day lead him into other spheres than this . Thus desultorily thinking he flung himself down upon the couch , which , as in many draughty old country houses , was constructed with a hood , being in fact a legitimate development from the settle . He tried to read as he reclined , but having sat up till three o'clock that morning , the book slipped from his hand and he fell asleep . It was at this time that Grace approached the house . Her knock , always soft in virtue of her nature , was softer to-day by reason of her strange errand . However , it was heard by the farmer 's wife who kept the house , and Grace was admitted .