eleven o’clock
I think my pity was more for Jem , of the two ; but both Miss Matty and I appreciated to the full the kindness of the honest couple , although we said little about this , and a good deal about the chances and dangers of matrimony . The next morning , very early , I received a note from Miss Pole , so mysteriously wrapped up , and with so many seals on it to secure secrecy , that I had to tear the paper before I could unfold it . And when I came to the writing I could hardly understand the meaning , it was so involved and oracular . I made out , however , that I was to go to Miss Pole 's at eleven o'clock ; the number _ eleven _ being written in full length as well as in numerals , and _ A.M. _ twice dashed under , as if I were very likely to come at eleven at night , when all Cranford was usually a-bed and asleep by ten . There was no signature except Miss Pole 's initials reversed , P.E. ; but as Martha had given me the note , `` with Miss Pole 's kind regards , '' it needed no wizard to find out who sent it ; and if the writer 's name was to be kept secret , it was very well that I was alone when Martha delivered it . I went as requested to Miss Pole 's . The door was opened to me by her little maid Lizzy in Sunday trim , as if some grand event was impending over this work-day .