four in the afternoon
The things that are bad are accepted because the things that are good do not come easily in his way . How many a miserable father reviles with bitterness of spirit the low tastes of his son , who has done nothing to provide his child with higher pleasures ! Sir Louis -- partly in the hopes of Mary 's smiles , and partly frightened by the doctor 's threats -- did , for a while , keep himself within decent bounds . He did not usually appear before Mary 's eyes till three or four in the afternoon ; but when he did come forth , he came forth sober and resolute to please . His mother was delighted , and was not slow to sing his praises ; and even the doctor , who now visited Boxall Hill more frequently than ever , began to have some hopes . One constant subject , I must not say of conversation , on the part of Lady Scatcherd , but rather of declamation , had hitherto been the beauty and manly attributes of Frank Gresham . She had hardly ceased to talk to Mary of the infinite good qualities of the young squire , and especially of his prowess in the matter of Mr Moffat .