eight o'clock
Had she told this gentle human dove that she must learn the wisdom of the serpent _ from _ a serpent -- a kind of Lamia who had assumed a beautiful female form for the purpose of instructing her ? No , it could not be ; there had been no opportunity for private conversation yet ; and it was also hateful to her to think so hardly of her mother . But she made no further attempt just then to win her pupil 's heart , and in a short time they returned to the house together . Fan was up early next morning -- the ringing concert of the orchard , so different from the dull rumble of the streets , had chased away sleep , and all desire to sleep -- and punctually at eight o'clock she came down to breakfast . Mr. Churton alone was in the room , looking as usual intensely respectable in his open frock-coat , large collar , and well-brushed grey hair . He was standing before the open window looking out , humming or croaking a little tune , and jingling his chain and seals by way of accompaniment . `` Ha , my dear , looking fresh as a flower -- _ and _ as pretty ! ''