4 P.M.
But a few weeks afterward Lang Tammas , the chief elder , was observed talking with her for an hour in Gowrie 's close ; and the very next Sabbath Chirsty pushed her husband in triumph into her father 's pew . The minister , though completely taken by surprise , at once referred to the stranger , in a prayer of great length , as a brand that might yet be plucked from the burning . Changing his text , he preached at him ; Lang Tammas , the precentor , and the whole congregation -LRB- Chirsty included -RRB- sang at him ; and before he exactly realized his position he had become an Auld Licht for life . Chirsty 's triumph was complete when , next week , in broad daylight , too , the minister 's wife called , and -LRB- in the presence of Betsy Munn , who vouches for the truth of the story -RRB- graciously asked her to come up to the manse on Thursday , at 4 P.M. , and drink a dish of tea . Chirsty , who knew her position , of course begged modestly to be excused ; but a coolness arose over the invitation between her and Janet -- who felt slighted -- that was only made up at the laying-out of Chirsty 's father-in-law , to which Janet was pleasantly invited . When they had red up the house , the Auld Licht lassies sat in the gloaming at their doors on three-legged stools , patiently knitting stockings . To them came stiff-limbed youths who , with a `` Blawy nicht , Jeanie '' -LRB- to which the inevitable answer was , `` It is so , Cha-rles '' -RRB- , rested their shoulders on the doorpost , and silently followed with their eyes the flashing needles .