five o'clock
Haward , sitting at the table in Marot 's best room , wrote an answer to Audrey 's letter , and tore it up ; wrote another , and gave it to Juba , to be given to the messenger waiting below ; recalled the negro before he could reach the door , destroyed the second note , and wrote a third . The first had been wise and kind , telling her that he was much engaged , lightly and skillfully waving aside her request -- the only one she made -- that she might see him that day . The second had been less wise . The last told her that he would come at five o'clock to the summer-house in Mistress Stagg 's garden . When he was alone in the room , he sat for some time very still , with his eyes closed and his head thrown back against the tall woodwork of his chair . His face was stern in repose : a handsome , even a fine face , with a look of power and reflection , but to-day somewhat worn and haggard of aspect . When presently he roused himself and took up the letter that lay before him , the paper shook in his hand .