eight o'clock
There 's somebody ringing the front-door bell , an ' it 's jammed wi ' the rain forbye , an ' nae wise body gangs and comes that gait ony way , binna yersel ' . '' `` Certainly , certainly , Elizabeth ; I will open the door immediately ! '' said the minister , laying down his book and marking the place with last week 's list of psalms and intimations . Mr. Buchanan went to the seldom-used front door , turned the key , and threw open the portal to see who the visitor might be who rang the manse bell at eight o'clock on such a night . Betsy hung about the outskirts of the hall in a fever of anticipation and alarm . It might be a highwayman -- or even a wild U.P. . There was no saying .