three o'clock
`` Mrs. Wykoff said , when she went out , that dinner would be late to-day , and that you were not well , and must n't be kept waiting , '' remarked the servant , as he drew a small table towards the centre of the room , and covered it with a white napkin . He came just in time . The stimulating effect of the wine had subsided , and Miss Carson was beginning to grow faint again , for lack of food . It was after three o'clock when Mrs. Wykoff came home , and half past three before the regular dinner for the family was served . She looked in , a moment , upon the seamstress , saying as she did so -- `` You 've had your dinner , Mary ? '' `` Oh yes , ma'am , and I 'm much obliged , '' answered Miss Carson , a bright smile playing over her face . The timely meal had put new life into her .