nine o'clock
The glad prospect of a summer 's leisure filled John with happy anticipations . He had his boat put in order , looked after Lucy 's condition , and had in mind a dozen plans for distant long-desired rides into the mountains , rides which now his uncle had promised to take with them . He soon learned that the medical providence which so often interferes with our plans in life had to be considered . Mrs. Penhallow to John 's surprise had of late gone to bed long before her accustomed hour , and one evening in this June of 1857 Penhallow seeing her go upstairs at nine o'clock called John into the library . `` Mr. Rivers , '' he said , `` has gone to see some one in Westways , and I have a chance to talk to you . Sit down . '' John obeyed , missing half consciously the ever-ready smile of the Squire .