six in the morning
`` Never more , '' she determined , `` shall my own folly be answerable for it , if he and I meet again . '' She had returned to Mrs. Lewson , and had read over the letter to Arthur , when the farm clock , striking the hour , reminded them that it was time to retire . They slept badly that night . At six in the morning , one of the two labourers who had remained faithful to Arthur was sent away on horseback with the housekeeper 's reply , and with orders to wait for an answer . Allowing time for giving the horse a rest , the man might be expected to return before noon . IT was a fine sunshiny day ; Mrs. Lewson 's spirits began to improve . `` I have always held the belief , '' the worthy old woman confessed , `` that bright weather brings good luck -- of course provided the day is not a Friday .