about seven o'clock
How it came to pass , however , I scarcely know -- except by referring it to that sad superstitious weakness which makes people often procrastinate the execution of so all-important an instrument as a will ; but at the time when Kate 's letter arrived , that will had not been executed , but still lay at Mr. Parkinson 's office . Feeling greatly indisposed , however , shortly after she had received Miss Aubrey 's letter , she sent off an express for Mr. Parkinson to attend with her will ; and a few minutes afterwards her attendants found it necessary to send off another express for her physician , Dr. Goddart . Before drawing a check for the sum of £ 700 , or £ 800 , which she intended instantly to place at Mr. Aubrey 's disposal , she awaited Mr. Parkinson 's return , that he -- who managed all her affairs -- might inform her of the exact balance then at her banker 's . He was absent from Grilston when the express arrived ; but he was followed , and about seven o'clock that evening entered Lady Stratton 's residence , carrying with him her will , ready prepared for execution . His chief clerk also accompanied him , lest , by any possibility , a _ witness _ should be wanting . The countenances of the domestics warned him that there was not one moment to be lost ; and he hastened at once into Lady Stratton 's bedchamber . There she lay , venerable old lady , propped up by pillows -- her long white hair partially visible from under her cap .