eight o'clock
She might perhaps have regretted the ill-timed coming of this bustling lady at the moment when she was eager for a quiet opportunity to present Willie to Emily and her father , and communicate to them her own happiness ; but if such a thought presented itself it vanished in a moment . Her joy was too complete to be marred by so trifling a disappointment . `` Let us drive up the avenue , Willie , '' said she , `` to the side-door , so that George may see us and take your horse to the stable . '' `` No , '' said Willie , as he stopped opposite the front gate ; `` I ca n't come in now -- there seems to be a house full of company , and besides I have an appointment in town at eight o'clock , and promised to be punctual ; '' -- he glanced at his watch and added , `` it is near that already . I did not think of its being so late ; but I shall see you to-morrow morning , may I not ? '' She looked her assent , and , with a warm grasp of the hand as he helped her from the chaise , and a mutual smile of confidence and love , they separated . He drove rapidly towards Boston , and she , opening the gate , found herself in the arms of Fanny Bruce , who had been impatiently waiting the departure of Willie to seize her dear Miss Gertrude and , between tears and kisses , pour out her congratulations and thanks for her happy escape from that horrid steamboat -- for this was the first time they had met since the accident .