six
o'clock
But poor Mrs. Mack , just as she was about to say her little say about the front windows and opposite neighbours , and the privacy of the back bed-room , and to propose their retiring thither , felt a sinking of the heart -- a deadly faintness , and an instinctive conviction that she was altogether overmatched , and that she could not hope to play successfully any sort of devil 's game with that all-seeing sorceress . She had always thought she was a plucky woman till she met Mistress Mary . Before _ her _ her spirit died within her -- her blood flowed hurriedly back to her heart , leaving her body cold , pale , and damp , and her soul quailing under her gaze . She cleared her voice twice , and faltered an enquiry , but broke down in panic ; and at that moment Biddy popped in her head -- ` The doctor , Ma'am , was sent for to Lucan , an ' he wo n't be back till six o'clock , an ' he left no peppermint drops for you , Ma'am , an ' do you want me , if you plase , Ma'am ? ' ` Go down , Biddy , that 'll do , ' said Mrs. Mack , growing first pale , and then very red . Mary Matchwell scented death afar off ; for her the air was always tainted with ominous perfumes . Every unusual look or dubious word thrilled her with a sense of danger .