eight o'clock
Mrs. Gilbert and Harry were pleased to find their boarder so contented . The money he paid weekly , with unvarying punctuality , made things easy for the widow , and relieved her of the anxiety which she had constantly felt before his arrival . The conversation above recorded was scarcely over , when a knock was heard at the front door -- a sharp , peremptory knock -- as of one who demanded admittance , rather than requested it . All looked up , with some surprise , for it was now eight o'clock , and they did not often have evening callers . `` I will go to the door , mother , '' said Harry . `` You need not interrupt your sewing . '' So Harry opened the outer door , and , considerably to his surprise , saw standing on the step the dignified figure of Colonel Ross .