six o'clock
There was one thing , however , which gave her keen satisfaction -- the great honour in which her husband was evidently held by his family . Very soon a heterogeneous post-prandial repast was announced for the benefit of the travellers ; to which Mr. Harper graciously bade them retire -- even leading his daughter-in-law to the dining-room door . `` He 'll not come further in , '' whispered Mrs. Dugdale , who made herself most active about Agatha . `` You arrived at seven , and my father would as soon think of changing his six o'clock dinner hour as he would of changing his politics ; for all Duke says to the contrary . '' Agatha was not sorry , since the idea of dining under the elaborate kindness and dignified courtliness of old Mr. Harper was rather alarming . Besides , she was so hungry ! The moment her father-in-law had closed the door , the sisters came gathering like bees round herself and her husband , Mary busy over every possible physical want , Harrie , sitting at , or rather , on the table .