three
o'clock
Miss Farrell , returning from her midday repast , pointed to the closed door , lifted her brows , and held up her forefinger to express surprise and caution . Miss Farrell 's prescience was astonishing ; of women she held the lightest opinion , Dan had learned ; her concern was with the affairs of men . Harwood , intent upon the compilation of a report of the paper-mill receivership , was nevertheless mindful of the unwonted length of the conference . When he returned from luncheon , Bassett had gone , but he reappeared at three o'clock , and a little later Atwill came back and the door closed again . This second interview was short , but it seemed to leave Bassett in a meditative frame of mind . Wishing to discuss some points in the trial balance of the receiver 's accountant , Harwood entered and found Bassett with his hat on , slowly pacing the floor . `` Yes ; all right ; come in , '' he said , as Harwood hesitated .