seven o'clock
But Deb shook her head , and would say no more . Clare and Gwen shared the study very amicably together , but both were out of doors a great deal -- Gwen tackling the untidy garden with a great deal of energy , but little experience ; and Clare wandering about the lanes and fields , doing little , and dreaming much . Then came Captain Knox 's farewell visit , and it was a very short one . He appeared at seven o'clock one evening , just as the sisters were sitting down to their high tea , which meal they had substituted for the orthodox dinner to which they had been accustomed in London . Clare 's cheeks grew pale as she greeted him . ` How long have you ? ' she asked , a little breathlessly .