two o'clock
To-day the weather took an encouraging turn for the better . Following the spell of fog and wet a northerly wind at last arose . It swept the sky clear of clouds , the land of melancholy vapours , begetting a brilliance of atmosphere which wooed our maiden to come forth and once more affront the open . She therefore ordered the dog-cart at two o'clock . Would herself drive ; and , `` if Aunt Felicia did n't mind and think her unsociable , would take Patch for sole company , because then '' -- renewed apologies -- `` she need n't talk and she felt disinclined to do so . '' During the first half mile or so , as must be confessed , each prick of the black horse 's ears and change in his pace sent a quake through her , as did the sight of every vehicle upon the road she passed or met . Her nerve was nowhere , her self-confidence in tatters .