about seven o’clock in the
evening
Jane came down to them and talked very fast , but when they asked for a further explanation of the cause of the accident , Jane declared that Maurice said it was impossible that any one who did not understand chemistry should know how it happened , and Alethea went away strongly reminded that it was no affair of hers . Notes passed between the New Court and the vicarage , but Mr. Devereux was feeling the effect of his yesterday 's exertion too much to repeat it , and no persuasion of the sisters could induce Maurice to visit him . ` Still in his eyes his soul revealing , He dreams not , knows not of concealing , Does all he does with single mind , And thinks of others that are kind . ' THE travellers were expected to arrive at about seven o'clock in the evening , and in accordance with a well-known taste of Eleanor 's , Emily had ordered no dinner , but a substantial meal under the name of tea . When the sound of carriage wheels was heard , Jane was with Adeline , Maurice was in his retreat at the Old Court , and it was with no cheerful alacrity that Emily went alone into the hall . Phyllis was already at the front door , and the instant Mr. Mohun set foot on the threshold , her hand grasped his coat , and her shrill voice cried in his ear , ` Papa , I am very sorry I blew up the gunpowder and burnt Ada . ' ` What , my dear ?