six o'clock
The orderly who brought the note was waiting for an answer . She called from the head of the stairs : `` Tell Mr. Vaughan there is no answer to-day . '' `` Yes , Miss. '' With quick salute he passed out and Betty stood irresolute as she listened to the echo of his horse 's hoof-beat growing fainter . It was only six o'clock , but the days were getting shorter and it was already dark . She could walk quickly down Pennsylvania Avenue and reach the White House before dinner . He would see her at any hour . In five minutes she was on the way her mind in a whirl of speculation on the intrigue which might lie behind that sensational announcement .