nine o'clock
The sun was high above the horizon ; the sky was bright and blue ; the snowy landscape flashed with the sparkle of diamonds , when Esther woke , and it was with a cry of pleasure that she felt her spirits answer the sun . Meanwhile her flight was no secret . As the train that carried her off drew out of the great station into the darkness for its long journey of three thousand miles , two notes were delivered to gentlemen only a few squares away . Strong at his club received one from Mrs. Murray : `` We all start for Clifton at nine o'clock . Come to-morrow and bring a companion if you can . We need to be amused . '' The Reverend Stephen Hazard received the other note , which was still more brief , but long enough to strike him with panic ; for it contained two words : `` Good-by !