nine o'clock
She moved the solitary candle on to the mantelpiece , and read the following note , roughly scribbled upon a coarse piece of paper : -- `` MY DEAR MISS HARSTON . '' `` I am afraid your confinement here has been very irksome to you . I have repeatedly requested my father to alleviate or modify it , but he has invariably refused . As he still persists in his refusal , I wish to offer you my aid , and , to show you that I am your sincere friend in spite of all that has passed , it you could slip out to-night at nine o'clock and meet me by the withered oak at the head of the avenue , I shall see you safe to Bedsworth , and you can , if you wish , go on to Portsmouth by the next train . I shall manage so that you may find the door open by that time . I shall not , of course , go to Portsmouth with you , but shall return here after dropping you at the station . I do this small thing to show you that , hopeless as it may be , the affection which I bear you is still as deep as ever . ''