three
o'clock
`` I think that will be quite the best plan . You had better write , Muriel , and say that you have an engagement yourself , but your cousin will be pleased to accept . '' Patty had never expected such luck as to be able to spend a whole afternoon with Jean without Muriel accompanying her , and she found it quite difficult to repress her delight . The time fixed was three o'clock , and punctual to the moment she started off , under the escort of one of the servants , to walk to the Bannermans ' house , which was only a short distance from Thorncroft . Jean was watching for her at the window , and flew to the front door to welcome her . `` Here you are at last ! '' she exclaimed , when her friend was safely inside the hall .