one o’clock
Her husband paused , taking secret counsel with his thoughts , and keeping his eyes fixed on his wife . At last he decided , and gave the answer . `` Read it , '' he said , `` and stop when I tell you . '' It was close on one o'clock , and the bell was ringing which summoned the visitors to their early dinner at the inn . The quick beat of footsteps , and the gathering hum of voices outside , penetrated gayly into the room , as Mr. Neal spread the manuscript before him on the table , and read the opening sentences in these words : `` I address this letter to my son , when my son is of an age to understand it . Having lost all hope of living to see my boy grow up to manhood , I have no choice but to write here what I would fain have said to him at a future time with my own lips . `` I have three objects in writing .