four o'clock precisely
You need not tell Beverly that I have given you presents . And be ready to ride to-morrow at four o'clock precisely . '' He understood her thoroughly , and they cantered homeward , conversing upon indifferent subjects and reverting no further to their previous somewhat enigmatical theme . On the following afternoon , at four o'clock precisely , the horses were at the door , and five minutes afterward a mounted officer , followed by two troopers , galloped up the lane and drew rein at the gateway . Harold was arranging the girths of Oriana 's saddle , and she herself was standing in her riding-habit beside the porch . The officer , dismounting , approached her and raised his cap in respectful salute . He was young and well-looking , evidently one accustomed to polite society .