five o'clock
After that melancholy event little Grace had clung to the nurse with much affection ; and ultimately Melbury , in dread lest the only woman who cared for the girl should be induced to leave her , persuaded the mild Lucy to marry him . The arrangement -- for it was little more -- had worked satisfactorily enough ; Grace had thriven , and Melbury had not repented . He returned to the spar-house and found Giles near at hand , to whom he explained the change of plan . `` As she wo n't arrive till five o'clock , you can get your business very well over in time to receive her , '' said Melbury . `` The green gig will do for her ; you 'll spin along quicker with that , and wo n't be late upon the road . Her boxes can be called for by one of the wagons . '' Winterborne , knowing nothing of the timber-merchant 's restitutory aims , quietly thought all this to be a kindly chance .