about four o'clock
And this morning , also out of his own happiness he remembered with most poignant suffering the unhappiness of his father . His own life was unfolding into fulness of affection and knowledge and strength ; his father 's was closing amid the weakness and troubles that had gathered about him ; and he , David , had contributed his share to these . To be reconciled to his father this day -- that was his sole thought . It was about four o'clock . The house held that quiet which reigns of a Sunday afternoon when the servants have left the kitchen for the cabin , when all work is done , and the feeling of Sunday rest takes possession of our minds . The winter sunshine on the fields seems full of rest ; the brutes rest -- even those that are not beasts of burden . The birds appear to know the day , and to make note of it in quieter twitter and slower flight .