8 o'clock
She was tired , she thought , and of course she was , having spent a sleepless night . One little matter gave her cause for thankfulness . Dysart was absent from luncheon . He had gone on a long walking expedition , Lady Baltimore said , that would prevent his returning home until dinner hour -- until quite 8 o'clock . Joyce told herself she was glad of this -- though why she did not tell herself . At all events the news left her very silent . But her silence was not noticed .