four o'clock
and gave much credit to himself for having brought it all about . The old dog , being just a plain , honest-hearted , loving dog , only knew that Pearl was very happy over something . He did not probe the cause -- if it pleased her -- it was enough . At four o'clock there came another message -- which set Pearl 's heart dancing , and spotted her cheeks with a glowing color -- the operation was over -- apparently successful -- and they were driving back to town . The other train might be late too , so it would be impossible for him to come out -- but would she still wait ? Did the thousand year limit still hold ? There was just a hint of fatigue in his voice , which awakened all the maternal instincts in Pearl , and made her heart very tender to him .