about three o'clock
You know it 's the way of the West . '' But Davies threw out his hand as though imploring silence , seemed about to speak again and ask another question , but finally turned without another word , and leaving Sanders standing dejectedly at the gate , re-entered his hall and closed the door behind him . That night Dr. Rooke called twice at No. 12 , and went away both times saying opprobrious things about his fellow-men and women . The chaplain , who had gone over to see Davies about three o'clock , presently went back for his wife , and that good-hearted woman remained until late at night . Mrs. Darling coming over in the early evening to congratulate dear Mira again on her husband 's return and invite them both to dinner on the morrow , was met by Davies himself at the door , but not invited in . Her sweet smiles and words of greeting and proffers of hospitality were checked at sight of his stern , sad face . In brief words he told her Mrs. Davies was too ill to receive callers or accept invitations , and in response to her flurried `` Is there anything in the world I can do ? ''