three o'clock
The gray weather , so far from depressing Betty , often moved her to take long walks ; and if no other companion happened to be available , she could always be sure of Jan 's readiness to bear her company , as he did on this occasion . The fact that Betty did not appear at luncheon-time roused little comment . She often was late for luncheon , and the only meal over which Nuthill folk made a special point of being punctual was dinner . Still , when three o'clock brought no sign of Betty , and the short day 's decline was at hand , the Master and the Mistress did begin to wonder . Then Jan arrived , apparently rather in a hurry , and very talkative . His short barks and little whines left no doubt about his determination to attract attention ; and the manner in which he bustled into the hall , hastily nuzzled the Master 's hand or coat-sleeve , and bustled , whining , back to the porch , told those concerned , as plainly as words could , that he wanted them to accompany him . `` Why , what 's this ? ''