seven o'clock
She wrote and wrote and wrote , her heart was warm , her eyes filled with tears , the words glowed upon her page , life became bright , the moments flew . An hour and a half passed . Her husband 's tea-time came ; he had such delight in coming home at this hour to find his wife and his children all assembled round the tea-table in the family room . It very rarely happened that Elise had not all in readiness for him ; but now the striking of seven o'clock roused her suddenly from her writing ; she laid down her pen , and was in the act of rising when her husband entered . A strong expression of displeasure diffused itself over his countenance as he saw her occupation . `` You gave us to-day a very bad dinner , Elise , '' said he , going up to her and speaking with severity ; `` but when this novel-writing occupies so much of your time , it is no wonder that you neglect your domestic duties ; you get to care really just as little about these , as you trouble yourself about my wishes . '' It would have been easy for Elise to excuse herself , and make all right and straight ; but the severe tone in which her husband spoke , and his scornful glance , wounded her deeply .