nine o'clock
Somewhere , hidden in a cabinet , was a bottle of whiskey , he remembered , and he sought it out and poured himself a generous glassful . But , when he raised it to his lips , the vision face of Smiles , as she had looked that first night on the mountain , when she told Big Jerry and Judd that `` nary a drap o ' thet devil 's brew would ever be in house of hers , '' appeared before him , and , with a groan , he set it down , untasted . Returning to his living-room , he sat a long time in mental readjustment , which was brought about with many a wrench at his heart ; and when , at last , his old iron will -- which had been weakened a little by illness and further softened by love -- had once again been tempered in the crucible of anguish , the lines on his prematurely seamed face were deeper , and in his dark gray eyes was a new expression of pain . * * * * * In compliance with his telephoned request , Rose had packed her suit case , and was all ready to accompany him when he arrived at the Merrimans ' apartment in a taxicab , to take her with him to the North Station to catch the nine o'clock train . She was irrepressibly the child , for the time being , and in her cheeks bloomed roses so colorful that Gertrude Merriman accused her of painting , while knowing well enough that joy needs no artistry . `` I 'm almost _ too _ happy , '' she cried after hearing his voice over the wire , and proceeded to dance around the room , to the impromptu chant , `` Donald , dear , is here , is here . Donald , dear , is here . ''