eight o'clock
There must , therefore , be another family that , like ours , has devoted itself , from generation to generation , to accomplish a pious duty . '' `` But what is this duty ? It will perhaps be explained today . '' `` Come , come , Bathsheba , '' suddenly exclaimed Samuel , as if roused from his reverie , and reproaching himself with idleness ; this is the day , and , before eight o'clock , our cash account must be in order , and these titles to immense property arranged , so that they may be delivered to the rightful owners '' -- and he pointed to the cedar-wood box . `` You are right , Samuel ; this day does not belong to us . It is a solemn day -- one that would have been sweet , oh ! very sweet to you and me -- if now any days could be sweet to us , '' said Bathsheba bitterly , for she was thinking of her son .