six o'clock
Pride had always stood between Mrs. Bailey and culture , ever since she got her schooling done . Otherwise she might have acquired style and a fluent caligraphy . As it was , her style was uncertain and her method slow . Knowing this -- without admitting it -- she was influenced by hearing a six o'clock post referred to , having previously thought her letters went an hour later . So she developed an intention of completing her letter , of which short instalments had been turned out at intervals already , as soon as ever the advent of a guest or visitor gave her an excuse for desertion . Of course a member of the household was better than either ; so she abdicated without misgiving when -- as she put it -- she heard her young ladyship a-coming . Her young ladyship was audible outside long enough for Mrs. Bailey to abdicate before she entered the room .