eight o'clock
She had much to tell Mrs. Margaret , and long , very long , -- after they had discussed many times the singular scene between Salmon , Rebecca , and Tamar , and spoken of what might be the plans of Dymock and Shanty for securing the Tower , -- did the remainder of the day appear to them . Several times they climbed to the edge of the glen , to observe if aught was stirring ; but all was still as usual . There stood the old Tower in solemn , silent unconsciousness of what might soon pass within it ; and there was the knoll , looking as green and fresh as it was ever wont to do . At sun-set Tamar and Mrs. Margaret again visited this post of observation , and again after they had supped at eight o'clock . They then returned and shut their doors ; they made up their fires ; and whilst Tamar plied her needle , Mrs. Margaret told many ancient tales and dismal predictions of secret murders , corpse-candles , and visions of second-sight , after which , as midnight approached , they became more restless and anxious respecting their friends , wondering what they would do , and expressing their hopes , or their fears , in dark sentences , such as these : -- `` We trust no blood may be shed ! -- if there should be blood ! -- if Dymock or poor Shanty should be hurt ! ''