nearly four o'clock
Thus the ultimate disgrace might be spared them . But the ill thing is the sure thing ; the letter with the black seal never miscarries , and Richard was bound to come ! `` There is no escape for him or for us , '' murmured Mr. Slocum , closing his finger in the book . It was in a different mood that Margaret said to herself , `` It is nearly four o'clock ; he will be here at eight ! '' As she stood at the parlor window and watched the waning afternoon light making its farewells to the flower-beds in the little square front-gardens of the houses opposite , Margaret 's heart was filled with the tenderness of the greeting she intended to give Richard . She had never been cold or shy in her demeanor with him , nor had she ever been quite demonstrative ; but now she meant to put her arms around his neck in a wifely fashion , and recompense him so far as she could for all the injustice he was to suffer . When he came to learn of the hateful slander that had lifted its head during his absence , he should already be in possession of the assurance of her faith .