three o’clock
`` Dear Alexinder , '' as thenceforth she called him had assumed the mastery over her from the first turn they took under the cathedral , and when at length he reminded her that the clock was on the stroke of one , she accepted it on his infallible judgment , for her own sensations would have made her believe it not a quarter of an hour since the interview had begun . Not a word had been granted on either side to the conventional vows of secrecy , always made to be broken , and perhaps each tacitly felt that the less secrecy the better for Rachel . Certain it is that Mrs. Curtis went into the Deanery with her head considerably higher , kissed Rachel vehemently , and , assuring her she knew all about it , and was happier than she had ever thought to be again , excused her from appearing at luncheon , and hurried down thereto , without giving any attention to a feeble entreaty that she would not go so fast . And when at three o'clock Rachel crept downstairs to get into the carriage for her return home , the good old Dean lay in wait for her , told her she must allow him an old friend 's privilege , kissed her , congratulated her , and said he would beg to perform the ceremony . `` Oh , Mr. Dean , it is nothing like that . '' He laughed , and handed her in . `` Mother , mother , how could you ? ''