seven o'clock
Here is your room , my dear ; Catherine is bringing some hot water , and she will open your boxes for you . ' And the old lady herself went and stirred up the fire , and drew the low easy chair nearer to the little table where the tea-things were , and continued talking in the kindliest way to her new guest until the maid arrived . Mrs. Alfred had said nothing at all , but she seemed contented and amused . At seven o'clock every one had assembled in the drawing-room except Mrs. Alfred . The Vicar 's wife had arrived : she was a stout , anxious-eyed little woman , who was obviously alarmed , and talked much to assure those around her that she was quite at ease . Mr. Alfred himself was lazy , good-natured , indifferent -- he had drunk two or three glasses of sherry meanwhile to pass the time . Punctually at seven Mrs. Alfred appeared .