About five o'clock
Scotch , from head to feet , douce and domestic , yet cleverer than James , though obedient to him -- a good woman , fit for the work of this world , and not forgetful concerning a better one . Keeping in mind the Domine 's directions about a cup of tea , Christine laid the table with their best linen and china , and though no difference was made in the food provided , Christine saw that it was well cooked . After all , it was quite an event for James Ruleson , and in the outcome of it he expected to realize one of the greatest pleasures that could come to him . About five o'clock the Domine and Ballister arrived . They entered a room full of the feeling of home . It was clean , and white as a snow drift , and there was a bright fire blazing on the hearth . The covered table with its knives and forks and spoons , and its gilt rimmed teacups , was in itself a symbol of hospitality .