four o'clock
Fleda smiled faintly , but immediately begged Mr. Carleton `` not to say anything to put it into her grandfather 's head . '' `` It must be there already , I think , Miss Fleda ; but at any rate you know my mother must perform her promise to your aunt Mrs. Rossitur ; and she would not do that without letting your grandfather know how glad she would be to take you . '' Fleda stood silent a moment , and then with a touching look of waiting patience in her sweet face suffered Mr. Carleton to help her over the fence ; and they went home . To Fleda 's unspeakable surprise it was found to be past four o'clock , and Cynthy had supper ready . Mr. Ringgan with great cordiality invited Mr. Carleton to stay with them , but he could not ; his mother would expect him to dinner . `` Where is your mother ? '' `` At Montepoole , sir ; we have been to Niagara , and came this way on our return ; partly that my mother might fulfil the promise she made Mrs. Rossitur -- to let you know , sir , with how much pleasure she will take charge of your little granddaughter and convey her to her friends in Paris , if you can think it best to let her go . ''