nearly six o'clock
`` I wo n't answer for that . There 's Stovey 's empty cart standing just where it stood yesterday ; and he promised he 'd have it home before three to-day . My back will be up with him if he does n't mind himself . '' It was nearly six o'clock when they got back to the house , and Clara was surprised to find that she had been out three hours with her cousin . Certainly it had been very pleasant . The usual companion of her walks , when she had a companion , was Mrs. Askerton ; but Mrs. Askerton did not like real walking . She would creep about the grounds for an hour or so , and even such companionship as that was better to Clara than absolute solitude ; but now she had been carried about the place , getting over stiles and through gates , and wandering through the copses , till she was tired and hungry , and excited and happy .