three o'clock
Lizzie 's little bedroom had never been looked into by him since Lizzie had run away and left them , and Patience herself had only gone in now and then , when , for the sake of her own pride in her cottage , and to prevent her neighbour 's comments , the window had to be cleaned and a fresh muslin blind put up . She returned to the room now , and with a few deft touches , a turn and a twist or two , she moved the little bed and the bits of furniture out of their usual positions , and into some they had never occupied before . `` Now it wo n't remind him so much , '' she said softly to herself , `` it looks quite different , '' and she went out leaving door and window wide , for the sun and the soft breeze to play through . With this new joy and the music she carried in her heart , her hands and feet flew through their work , so that by three o'clock the spotless stairs were scrubbed , and the neat kitchen made even neater , and Patience herself was ready to change her gown and put herself tidy . Thomas was still busy in the garden . She did not know what about , but soon after she had gone up to her room she heard him calling her . `` What is it , father ? ''