nine o'clock
The curate expressed no profound desire to accept this promising invitation , and desiring to change so thorny a subject entered a delightful old-world garden and invited Alban 's attention to a superb view of Harrow and the Welsh Harp . In the hall , to which at last they returned , he spoke of that more substantial reality , dinner . `` I am sorry to say that I have a Dorcas meeting to-night and can not possibly dine with you , '' he explained to the astonished lad . `` I shall return at nine o'clock , however , to see that all is as Mr. Gessner wishes . The servants have told you , perhaps , that Miss Anna is in the country and does not return until to-morrow . This old house is very dull without her , Kennedy . It is astonishing how much difference a pretty face makes to any house . ''