about six in the
afternoon
Perhaps he might not notice her in the least , and that would be terrible . But , no , a man as kind as he had shown himself to her , would at least pay her some attention , and so at last she began to anticipate his coming home , wondering what their first meeting would be , what she should say to him , and what he would think of her . Saturday came at last , a balmy September day , when all nature seemed conspiring to welcome the travelers for whom so extensive preparations were making at Aikenside . They were expected at about six in the afternoon , and just before that hour the doctor rode up to be in readiness to meet them . In the dining-room the table was set as Maddy had never seen it set before , making , with its silver , its china , and cut-glass , a glittering display . There was Guy 's seat as carver , with Agnes at the urn , while Maddy felt sure that the two plates between Agnes and Guy were intended for Jessie and herself , the doctor occupying the other side . Jessie would sit next her mother , which would leave her near to Guy , where he could see every movement she made .