four o'clock
Peggy Blackton and Joanne were returning . Aldous turned toward them as they entered the room . With the note still in his hand he repeated to them what he had told Blackton -- that he had received word which made it immediately urgent for him to go to MacDonald . He shook hands with the Blacktons , promising to be on hand for the four o'clock breakfast . Joanne followed him to the door and out upon the veranda . For a moment they were alone , and now her eyes were wide and filled with fear as he clasped her hands closely in his own . `` I saw him , '' she whispered , her fingers tightening convulsively .