three o'clock precisely
My mother reminded me so many times of the light that burns steadily in a light-house on a ledge . The waves , washing the solid rock , and wearing even the stone at its base , have no power to disturb the lamp , which , well trimmed , burns silently on , throwing its beams far out to sea , and fanning hope in the heart of the sailor , who finds at last the shore and blesses the beacon light . I admired her calm and steadfast trust in the truth , that bore her along in her daily doing right toward all with whom she mingled , but I well knew she would be righteously indignant toward Mr. Benton , and also that the whole truth , with the letter and the story of `` the lamb , '' would soon be forthcoming . I could hardly wait for the recital which I expected to hear in the afternoon , and entered Mrs. Goodwin 's door at three o'clock precisely . She was glad to see me , and said cheerily : `` Take off your things , Emily , and I 'll show you right in , for Miss Harris is waiting anxiously . '' I thought she looked beautiful the night we found her , but to-day she was a marvellous picture , sitting among the white pillows . Her cheeks were touched here and there with pink , as if rose leaves had left their tender stain -- her eyes beautifully bright , and such depths of blue , with arched brows above them , and long brown lashes for a shield .