two o’clock
It was then the twenty-third of the month . In four days more the new master would be ready to enter on his duties ; and Alban would be at liberty . On the twenty-fourth , Alban received a telegram which startled him . The person sending the message was Mrs. Ellmother ; and the words were : `` Meet me at your railway station to-day , at two o'clock . '' He found the old woman in the waiting-room ; and he met with a rough reception . `` Minutes are precious , Mr. Morris , '' she said ; `` you are two minutes late . The next train to London stops here in half an hour -- and I must go back by it . ''