seven o’clock
It seemed very far and very hot , and her alternately excited and shame-stricken manner , and sobbing breath , much alarmed Rachel ; but when Alick met them , all this seemed to pass away -- she controlled herself entirely , declaring herself unhurt , and giving him cheerful messages and excuses for her hostess . Alick put the reins into Rachel 's hands , and , after watching her drive off , returned to the party , and delivered the apologies of the ladies ; then went in search of his uncle . He did not , however , find him quickly , and then he was so happy with his old friend among a cluster of merry young people , that Alick would not say a word to hasten him home , especially as Rachel would have driven Bessie to Timber End , so that it would only be returning to an empty house . And such was Mr. Clare 's sociableness and disability of detaching himself from pleasant conversation , that the uncle and nephew scarcely started for their walk across the park in time for the seven o'clock service . Mr. Clare had never been so completely belated , and , as Alick 's assistance was necessary , he could only augur from his wife 's absence that she was still at Timber End with his sister . `` Where am I ? O vanity , We are not what we deem , The sins that hold my heart in thrall , They are more real than all . ''