A quarter to eight
She had a presentiment that her letter was in the bag at last . She thought then in diminishing pulsations of confidence , ` He asks to see me ! Perhaps he asks to see me : I hope he asks to see me . ' A quarter to eight : Miss Aldclyffe 's bell -- rather earlier than usual . ` She must have heard the post-bag brought , ' said the maiden , as , tired of the chilly prospect outside , she turned to the fire , and drew imaginative pictures of her future therein . A tap came to the door , and the lady 's - maid entered . ` Miss Aldclyffe is awake , ' she said ; ` and she asked if you were moving yet , miss . '