about eight o'clock
He was therefore silent ; while Jenny , between the effects of her dream , and the alarming intelligence which she had just heard , knew not what to answer , or what she should do . In general , she possessed activity , and all that was necessary to enable her to render assistance in any case with which she was acquainted ; but she was susceptible of strong impressions -- those who are so seldom act with ease in an untried situation -- and she was now placed in one which was perfectly new to her . In her agitation , she would have stood where she was , like a statue , or she would have accompanied him without taking time to put on what remained of her clothes , had he repeated his request ; but her mother , who had been awakened by the opening of the door , on overhearing the conversation which followed , had dressed herself with characteristic despatch , now came to her daughter 's relief . `` Dinna forget to milk the cow , lassie , '' said she , `` nor to mak yer father 's parritch about eight o'clock , and I 'll rin owre mysel , and see what 's the matter wi ' puir Margaret Crawford . But , if I 'm no back afore dinner-time , mind ye to come and see how she is . '' With these brief orders , Nelly wrapped herself up in her cloak , and hastened to carry her services where they were most wanted . On reaching Gairyburn , they found Margaret , as she had been represented , very ill .