six o'clock
She would now be watering her flowers in the green-houses . But that other fellow might be there -- he had heard something about an appointment . No , he had better write . If he wrote at once , absolutely at once , he would be in time for the six o'clock delivery . Snatching a sheet of paper he wrote : -- `` DEAREST MAGGIE , -- I have loved you a long while , I remember many things that make me think that I have always loved you ; but to-day I have learnt that you are the one great and absorbing influence -- that without you my life would be stupid and meaningless , whereas with you it shall be a joy , an achievement . `` I have frittered away much time ; my efforts in painting and poetry have been lacking in strength and persistency . I have vacillated and wandered , and I did not know why ; but now I know why -- because you were not by me to encourage me , to help me by your presence and beauty .