five
o'clock
Would not the old feeling revive , and prove too strong for argument ? It was Ruth 's nature to distract herself with doubts and fears , and the little conversation did not help to raise her spirits . On the fifth morning after Mr Farrell 's seizure he came downstairs to his study , and was reported by the doctor to be in fairly good health . He did not appear at luncheon , however , and there was something darkly mysterious about James 's manner when he came into the dining-room when the meal was nearly over to announce that his master wished to see the young ladies , with Mr Druce and Mr Melland , in the library at five o'clock . `` And me -- surely he wishes to see me also ! '' Mrs Wolff cried , in an injured tone . But James only bowed , and repeated inflexibly -- `` Only the young ladies and gentlemen , ma'am .