four o'clock
There is one letter in the escritoir '' -LRB- digesting a temporary swelling of the heart as he spoke -RRB- , `` which I beg the favour of you to deliver with your own hand . '' `` I understand , '' said the sailor . `` Nay , my friend , never be ashamed for the matter -- an affectionate heart may overflow for an instant at the eyes , if the ship were clearing for action ; and , depend on it , whatever your injunctions are , Dan Taffril will regard them like the bequest of a dying brother . But this is all stuff ; -- we must get our things in fighting order , and you will dine with me and my little surgeon 's mate , at the Graeme 's - Arms over the way , at four o'clock . '' `` Agreed , '' said Lovel . `` Agreed , '' said Taffril ; and the whole affair was arranged . It was a beautiful summer evening , and the shadow of the solitary thorn-tree was lengthening upon the short greensward of the narrow valley , which was skirted by the woods that closed around the ruins of St. Ruth .