four o'clock
` Not at all . I ca n't go yet though , even if you do get me an invitation ; for the -- Company want me to go to the -- Valley , and look over the ground a bit for them , to see if it would do for a branch line ; it 's a job which may take me away for some time ; but I shall be backwards and forwards , and you 're quite up to doing what is needed in my absence ; the only work that may be beyond you is keeping old Jevons from drinking . ' He went on giving me directions about the management of the men employed on the line , and no more was said then , or for several months , about his going to Hope Farm . He went off into -- Valley , a dark overshadowed dale , where the sun seemed to set behind the hills before four o'clock on midsummer afternoon . Perhaps it was this that brought on the attack of low fever which he had soon after the beginning of the new year ; he was very ill for many weeks , almost many months ; a married sister -- his only relation , I think -- came down from London to nurse him , and I went over to him when I could , to see him , and give him ` masculine news , ' as he called it ; reports of the progress of the line , which , I am glad to say , I was able to carry on in his absence , in the slow gradual way which suited the company best , while trade was in a languid state , and money dear in the market . Of course , with this occupation for my scanty leisure , I did not often go over to Hope Farm . Whenever I did go , I met with a thorough welcome ; and many inquiries were made as to Holdsworth 's illness , and the progress of his recovery .