About eight o'clock
Mrs. Farnshaw was to have threshers to cook for to-day , and Elizabeth had grown thoughtful of the mother , who was aging visibly . In such ways as she could , she spared her mother 's strength and gave her the comfort of frequent visits and companionship . In order to get the long eight-mile drive over before it became hot , it was necessary to get an early start , and Elizabeth , with Jack at her side , was on the road before the sun was fairly above the horizon . About eight o'clock Mrs. Farnshaw turned at the sound of their feet on her doorstep . She set her cob basket on the floor , put the stove lid over the roaring fire , and turned to Jack with grandmotherly delight . `` You 're a real comfort , Lizzie , '' she said , straightening up with Jack in her arms . `` I never used t ' think you would be , but you are .