four o'clock
`` And omit to mention it to my hostess . You understand my position here , and my fear of outstaying a most courteous welcome ? '' `` I understand , '' said the doctor , and departed . At four o'clock Whittaker had packed his portmanteau . He took up his position at the window and waited . Before long he heard the sound of a horse 's feet . Miss Cheyne 's visitor presently appeared , and swung off his hat with the usual deferential pride .