nine o'clock
In the small stable-yard a lad was burnishing harness ; for him also the master had a friendly word , before passing on to look at the little mare amid her clean straw . In his rough suit of tweed and shapeless garden hat , with brown face and cheery eye , Rolfe moved hither and thither as though native to such a life . His figure had filled out ; he was more robust , and looked , indeed , younger than on the day when he bade farewell to Mrs. Handover and her abominations . At nine o'clock he entered the dining-room , where breakfast was ready , though as yet no other person had come to table . The sun would not touch this window for several hours yet , but a crackling fire made the air pleasant , and brightened all within . Seats were placed for three . An aroma of coffee invited to the meal , which was characterised by no suggestion of asceticism .