about five o'clock
Lady Cheverel 's conversation and presence were less trying ; for her ladyship felt no more than calm satisfaction in this family event ; and besides , she was further sobered by a little jealousy at Sir Christopher 's anticipation of pleasure in seeing Lady Assher , enshrined in his memory as a mild-eyed beauty of sixteen , with whom he had exchanged locks before he went on his first travels . Lady Cheverel would have died rather than confess it , but she could n't help hoping that he would be disappointed in Lady Assher , and rather ashamed of having called her so charming . Mr. Gilfil watched Caterina through these days with mixed feelings . Her suffering went to his heart ; but , even for her sake , he was glad that a love which could never come to good should be no longer fed by false hopes ; and how could he help saying to himself , ` Perhaps , after a while , Caterina will be tired of fretting about that cold-hearted puppy , and then ... ' At length the much-expected day arrived , and the brightest of September suns was lighting up the yellowing lime-trees , as about five o'clock Lady Assher 's carriage drove under the portico . Caterina , seated at work in her own room , heard the rolling of the wheels , followed presently by the opening and shutting of doors , and the sound of voices in the corridors . Remembering that the dinner-hour was six , and that Lady Cheverel had desired her to be in the drawing-room early , she started up to dress , and was delighted to find herself feeling suddenly brave and strong . Curiosity to see Miss Assher -- the thought that Anthony was in the house -- the wish not to look unattractive , were feelings that brought some colour to her lips , and made it easy to attend to her toilette .