nine o'clock
Mr. Dean was staggered ; a female , a young female , and his daughter , to dare to say such a thing to him ! He opened his mouth several times before he was able to speak . Alfaretta was at home for her evening out , and her young man was with her , anxious for the clock to point to nine , that he might `` see her home . '' They had intended to leave the elder 's early , and wander off for a walk by the river , but prayers were delayed a little , and after that Alfaretta had to listen to the good advice given every week ; so Thaddeus lost all hope of the river-walk , and only watched for nine o'clock , when he knew she must start . But in this , too , he was doomed to disappointment , for the outburst which so stunned the elder detained Alfaretta until after ten , thereby causing Helen no little anxiety about her prompt and pretty maid . The elder had closed his admonitions by warning his daughter not to be listening to any teachings of the preacher 's wife , for she was a backslider , and she had fallen from grace . `` In the first place , '' said the elder , laying down the law with uplifted hand , `` she 's a Episcopalian , -- I heard her say that herself , when she first come here ; and her letter of dismissal was from a church with some Popish name , -- St. Robert or Stephen , -- I do n't just remember .