four o'clock
All the way down the glen the north wind had stung her cheeks to crimson and blown stray curls about her ears ; but when she left the little market-place to return she found a fine snow powdering the earth , and a haze creeping over the hills which threatened storm . A mile of the weather delighted her , but after that she grew weary . When the fall thickened she sought the shelter of a way-side cottage , with the purpose of either sending to Glenavelin for a carriage or waiting for the off-chance of a farmer 's gig . By four o'clock the snow showed no sign of clearing , but fell in the same steady , noiseless drift . The mistress of the place made the girl tea and dispatched her son to Glenavelin . But the errand would take time , for the boy was small , and Alice , ever impatient , stood drumming on the panes , watching the dreary weather with a dreary heart . The goodwife was standing at the door on the look-out for a passing gig , and her cry brought the girl to attention .