six a.m.
Sometimes I felt strongly inclined to question her ; but on consulting John , he gave his veto so decidedly against seeking out people 's private affairs in such an illicit manner that I felt quite guilty , and began to doubt whether my sickly , useless , dreaming life , was not inclining me to curiosity , gossip , and other small vices which we are accustomed -- I know not why -- to insult the other sex by describing as `` womanish . '' As I have said , the two cottages were built distinct , so that we could have neither sound nor sight of our neighbours , save upon the neutral ground of Mrs. Tod 's kitchen ; where , however I might have felt inclined to venture , John 's prohibition stopped me entirely . Thus -- save the two days when he was at home , when he put me on his mare 's back , and led me far away , over common , and valley , and hill , for miles , only coming back at twilight -- save those two blithe days , I spent the week in dignified solitude , and was very thankful for Sunday . We determined to make it a long , lovely , country Sunday ; so we began it at six a.m. John took me a new walk across the common , where -- he said , in answer to my question -- we were quite certain NOT to meet Miss March . `` Do you experimentalize on the subject , that you calculate her paths with such nicety ? Pray , have you ever met her again , for I know you have been out most mornings ? '' `` Morning is the only time I have for walking , you know , Phineas . ''