nine o'clock
Happiness on the one side of my bed and Anxiety on the other kept sleep away . But if I had anxious care , I had also happiness which had not equal in my life -- or ever can have . The night went by so quickly that the dawn seemed to rush on me , not stealing as is its wont . Before nine o'clock I was at Kensington . All anxiety seemed to float away like a cloud as I met Margaret , and saw that already the pallor of her face had given to the rich bloom which I knew . She told me that her father had slept well , and that he would be with us soon . `` I do believe , '' she whispered , `` that my dear and thoughtful Father has kept back on purpose , so that I might meet you first , and alone ! ''