nine o'clock
The two physicians that had been summoned the night previous , but had been delayed by the storm , arrived in the morning only to see the patient die . Many inquiries were made and much conjecture formed as to the cause of Thurston Willcoxen 's improper and unaccountable absence at such a juncture . But Melchizedek , poor , faithful fellow , having followed his master 's steps , did not appear , and no one else upon the premises could give any explanation relative to the movements of their young master . He had left the bedside of his dying relative at nine o'clock the night before , and he had not since returned -- his saddle-horse was gone from the stable -- that was all that could be ascertained . Dr. Brightwell took his departure , to answer other pressing calls . But Dr. Weismann , seeing that there was no responsible person in charge , and having elsewhere no urgent demands upon his time and attention , kindly volunteered to stay and superintend affairs at Dell-Delight , until the reappearance of the young master . * * * * * At Old Field Cottage , Edith had sat up late the night before waiting for Marian ; but , seeing that she did not return , had taken it for granted that she had remained all night with Miss Thornton , and so , without the least uneasiness at her prolonged absence , had retired to rest .