About four o'clock
But if it comes to talking about situations , I can tell you that you are more likely to lose yours than I am to lose mine . '' William hesitated , and while he sought a judicious reply Mrs. Latch and Mr. Leopold , putting forth their joint authority , brought the discussion to a close . The jockey-boys exchanged grins , Sarah sulked , Mr. Swindles pursed up his mouth in consideration , and the elder servants felt that the matter would not rest in the servant 's hall ; that evening it would be the theme of conversation in the `` Red Lion , '' and the next day it would be the talk of the town . About four o'clock Esther saw Mrs. Barfield , Miss Mary , and Peggy walk across the yard towards the garden , and as Esther had to go soon after to the wood-shed she saw Peggy slip out of the garden by a bottom gate and make her way through the evergreens . Esther hastened back to the kitchen and stood waiting for the bell to ring . She had not to wait long ; the bell tinkled , but so faintly that Esther said , `` She only just touched it ; it is a signal ; he was on the look-out for it ; she did not want anyone else to hear . '' Esther remembered the thousands of pounds she had heard that the young lady possessed , and the beautiful dresses she wore .