Two o'clock
These thoughts were all maddening , and filled her with uncontrollable agitation . She felt sure at last that some dread thing had happened , which Obed Chute had discovered , and which he feared to reveal to her . Therefore he kept away ; and on no other grounds could she account for his long-continued absence . Two o'clock passed -- and three , and four , and five . The suspense was fearful to Zillah , so fearful , indeed , that at last she felt that it would be a relief to hear any news -- even the worst . At length her suspense was ended . About half past five Obed returned .