two in the evening
One of the two boats was already gone ; doubtless she had taken it -- where could she be ? He stepped into the boat , and pulled slowly out into the lake , keeping in the lee of the rocky peninsula of The Bow . He was fairly well satisfied with his effort in Aileen 's behalf and with himself because he had taken a first step in the right direction . Neither his mother nor Aunt Meda could say now that he was not disinterested ; if Father Honoré came over , as was his custom , to chat with him on the porch for an hour or two in the evening , he would broach the subject again to him who was the girl 's best friend . If she could go to Europe there would be less danger -- Danger ? -- Yes ; he was willing to admit it , less danger for them both ; three years of absence would help materially in this matter in which he felt himself too deeply involved . Then , in the very face of this acknowledgment , he could not help a thought that whitened his cheek as it formulated itself instantaneously in his consciousness : if she were three years in Europe , there would be opportunity for him to see her sometime .