five o'clock
More than once I had half a mind to telegraph to Martin putting him off , and though I told myself that to do so would not be renunciation but merely flight from temptation , I always knew at the bottom of my heart that I really wanted him to come . Nevertheless I vowed to my very soul that I should be strong -- strong in every word and look -- and if Alma was daring me I should defy her , and she would see that I should neither yield nor run away . Thus I entrenched myself at last in a sort of bright strong faith in my power to resist temptation . But I must leave it to those who know better than I the way to read a woman 's heart to say how it came to pass that towards five o'clock , when I heard the sound of wheels and going on to my balcony saw a jaunting-car at the front entrance , and then opening my door heard Martin 's great voice in the hall , I flew downstairs -- literally flew -- in my eagerness to welcome him . There he was in his brown Harris tweeds and soft slouch hat with such an atmosphere of health and sweep of winds about him as almost took away my breath . `` Helloa ! '' he cried , and I am sure his eyes brightened at the sight of me for they were like the sea when the sun shines on it .