eight o'clock
I saw all the hands in the mill had got to know about it somehow or other , and I was sure it would soon get over the place ; and I would rather that I could say , if any one asked me , that I had not talked about it to any one , and was in no way responsible for the absurd stories which had got about . I have been talked about enough in Marsden , goodness knows , and it is disgusting that just as I should think they must be getting tired of the subject here is something fresh for them to begin upon again . '' As they were at tea the servant brought in a note which had just been left at the door . It was from Mr. Thompson , saying that in consequence of the rumors which were current in the town he should be glad to learn from Ned whether there was any foundation for them , and would therefore be obliged if he would call at eight o'clock that evening . His colleague , Mr. Simmonds , would be present . Ned gave an exclamation of disgust as he threw down the note . `` Is there any answer , sir ? ''