six
o'clock
He knows not -- but he knows the risk of passing years . Unchanged the cottage stands , and the same gate hangs half open as in the far back yesterday . Yet it is the spirit alone that giveth life , and of this he may not know . He looks at his watch -- it is near six o'clock , and he had seen a man walk sleepily to the byre from a distant house . He waits and watches , while a strange fever burns his heart , unknown to youthful passion . His lips are parched , though the water from the spring is scarce dry upon them yet . Still gazing , he sees no sign of life about the house .