four o'clock
Evidently he was sensitive on the topic of operations and bandages . She did not `` make so bold as to say , '' however , after all . But his snubbing way had irritated her , and Millie had a hot time of it that afternoon . The visitor remained in the parlour until four o'clock , without giving the ghost of an excuse for an intrusion . For the most part he was quite still during that time ; it would seem he sat in the growing darkness smoking in the firelight -- perhaps dozing . Once or twice a curious listener might have heard him at the coals , and for the space of five minutes he was audible pacing the room . He seemed to be talking to himself .