seven o'clock
May the Mother of God and all the saints have you in their keeping ! Your most true affianced lover . '' This letter Margaret answered before she slept , for the messenger was to return at dawn , telling Peter , amongst other things , of the gift which d'Aguilar had brought her , and how she and her father were forced to accept it , but bidding him not be jealous , since , although the gift was welcome , she liked the giver little , who did but count the hours till her true lover should come back again and take her to himself . Next morning she was up early , clothed in her riding-dress , for the day was very fine , and by seven o'clock d'Aguilar appeared , mounted on a great horse . Then the Spanish jennet was brought out , and deftly he lifted her to the saddle , showing her how she must pull but lightly on the reins , and urge or check her steed with her voice alone , using no whip or spur . A perfect beast it proved to be , indeed , gentle as a lamb , and easy , yet very spirited and swift . D'Aguilar was a pleasant cavalier also , talking of many things grave and gay , until at length even Castell forgot his thoughts , and grew cheerful as they cantered forward through the fresh spring morning by heath and hill and woodland , listening to the singing of the birds , and watching the husbandmen at their labour .