eleven in the morning
The time had come -- that was all -- the time had come ! She was as ready as she ever would be . She had herself well in hand before she stepped from the canoe at the foot of her father 's garden . The only signs of anxiety in evidence about the house were Nathaniel 's presence in the kitchen at eleven in the morning , and Theodora 's red and swollen eyes as she bent over the dishwashing of a belated breakfast . `` Mother ! Father ! '' They turned and gazed at the pale , dishevelled girl in the doorway .