eight o'clock
He was not prepared for the shock the first appearance of the Southern girl gave him . When the stately figure swept through the door to greet him , her black eyes sparkling with welcome , her voice low and tender with genuine feeling , he caught his breath in surprise . Elsie noted his confusion with amusement and said : `` I must go to the hospital for a little work . Now , Phil , I 'll meet you at the door at eight o'clock . '' `` I 'll not forget , '' he answered abstractedly , watching Margaret intently as she walked with Elsie to the door . He saw that her dress was of coarse , unbleached cotton , dyed with the juice of walnut hulls and set with wooden hand-made buttons . The story these things told of war and want was eloquent , yet she wore them with unconscious dignity .