nine o'clock
Life became almost intolerable . Clifford , coming duly to see her every evening , never dreamed of the thoughts that were darkening her blue eyes . He sat in the big chair opposite Malcolm 's , and they talked about real estate , and about the various business ventures of the village . At nine o'clock Malcolm went stiffly upstairs , attended by Lydia , and then Martie took her father 's seat , and Clifford hitched his chair nearer . He would ask her what she was sewing , and sometimes she laughed , spreading the ruffle of a petticoat over her knee , and refused to consider his questions . They talked of little things pertaining to their engagement : Martie was sure somebody suspected it , Clifford had been thinking of the Yellowstone for a wedding trip , and had brought folders to study . Rarely they touched upon politics , or upon the questions of the day .