eight o'clock
Joan stood by his side for a moment , following with her eyes the graceful figure of her child , but she quickly went back to her work . John 's work was over for the day ; he had come in on the dawn tide with a good take . So he stood at the door , in spite of the frosty air , and watched his little maid climb the hilly road with the elastic step and untiring breath of happy youth . It was then only eight o'clock . No one at her home had thought the hour too early . But when she reached Burrell Court Elizabeth had not come downstairs and breakfast was not yet served . She was much annoyed and embarrassed by the attitude of the servants .