nine o'clock
And I dreaded that so ; I had had so many . But perhaps , dreadful though it might be , it would bring me a release . Perhaps Richard was only angry with me , and _ that _ might bring me a release . At nine o'clock I heard a ring at the bell , and then his step in the hall . He was slower than usual in coming in ; everything made me feel confused and apprehensive . When he opened the door and entered , I was trying to command myself , but I forgot all about myself when I saw _ him _ . His face was white , and he looked haggard and harassed , as if he had gone through a year of suffering since last night , when I left him with the lamp and cigar in the library .