eight o'clock
Command me in anything till that time . '' `` I will think of this , '' she said hurriedly . `` Whether I can honestly make use of you as a friend , or must close with you as a lover -- that is what I must ask myself . If I wish to go and decide to accept your company I will signal to you some evening at eight o'clock punctually , and this will mean that you are to be ready with a horse and trap at twelve o'clock the same night to drive me to Budmouth harbour in time for the morning boat . '' `` I will look out every night at eight , and no signal shall escape me . '' `` Now please go away . If I decide on this escape I can only meet you once more unless -- I can not go without you .