four o'clock
These letters , together with careful and minute instructions , were given into the hands of Susan , his housekeeper , to be delivered after they should be gone . But of all this Jimmy knew nothing . The travelers were nearing Boston when John Pendleton said to Jimmy : `` My boy , I 've got one favor to ask -- or rather , two . The first is that we say nothing to Mrs. Carew until to-morrow afternoon ; the other is that you allow me to go first and be your -- er -- ambassador , you yourself not appearing on the scene until perhaps , say -- four o'clock . Are you willing ? '' `` Indeed I am , '' replied Jimmy , promptly ; `` not only willing , but delighted . I 'd been wondering how I was going to break the ice , and I 'm glad to have somebody else do it . ''