four o'clock
He was told that his instructions would be ready in about a fortnight , and that he would be expected to start as soon as he received them ; in the meanwhile , he must devote himself to the study of a mass of papers in the Department . There was no trifling allowable here . Carrington had to set himself vigorously to work . This did not , however , prevent him from keeping his appointment with Sybil , and at four o'clock they started together , passing out into the quiet shadows of Rock Creek , and seeking still lanes through the woods where their horses walked side by side , and they themselves could talk without the risk of criticism from curious eyes . It was the afternoon of one of those sultry and lowering spring days when life germinates rapidly , but as yet gives no sign , except perhaps some new leaf or flower pushing its soft head up against the dead leaves that have sheltered it . The two riders had something of the same sensation , as though the leafless woods and the laurel thickets , the warm , moist air and the low clouds , were a protection and a soft shelter . Somewhat to Carrington 's surprise , he found that it was pleasant to have Sybil 's company .