eight o'clock
He had regained his real self , and , having passed through a bitter period of shame , was now joyous with anticipation of forgiveness . He looked forward to the day , with its chances of doing a thousand little things to show his regret and his love . He had not seen Agnes since Monday ; Tuesday he did not go back to help thresh , and Wednesday he had been obliged to go to town to see about board for the coming term ; but he felt sure of her . It had all been arranged the Sunday before ; she 'd expect him , and he was to call at eight o'clock . He polished up the colts with merry tick-tack of the brush and comb , and after the last stroke on their shining limbs , threw his tools in the box and went to the house . `` Pretty sharp last night , '' said his brother John , who was scrubbing his face at the cistern . `` Should say so by that rim of ice , '' Will replied , dipping his hands into the icy water .