seven in the evening
Augusta told her admiral that evening that there was no hope for the family , since Robert had got hold of Mervyn as well as of the rest of them . People in society actually asked her about the schools and playground at Mr. Fulmort 's distillery ; there had been an educational report about them . Quite disgusting ! There passed a day of conflicting hope and fear , soothed by the pleasure of preparation , and at seven in the evening there came the ring at the house door , and Lucilla was once more in Honora 's arms . It was for a moment a convulsive embrace , but it was not the same lingering clinging as when she met Phoebe , nor did she look so much changed as then , for there was a vivid tint of rose on either cheek ; she had restored her hair to the familiar fashion , and her eyes were bright with excitement . The presence of Maria and Bertha , which Miss Charlecote had regretted , was probably a relief ; for Lucilla , as she threw off her bonnet , and sat down to the ` severe tea ' awaiting her , talked much to them , observed upon their growth , noticed the little Maltese dog , and compared her continental experiences with Bertha 's . To Honor she scarcely spoke voluntarily , and cast down her eyes as she did so , making brief work of answers to inquiries , and showing herself altogether disappointingly the old Cilly .