seven o'clock
`` No ; it would make the return walk too long . '' `` That can be no consideration , I beg you will let me go with you , Marian . '' `` No ; it would not be convenient to Edith to-day , '' said Marian , quickly drawing her hand from his detaining grasp , waving him adieu , and walking swiftly away across the meadow . Thurston gazed after her , strongly tempted to follow her ; yet withal admitting that it was best that she had declined his escort to the cottage , and thanking Heaven that the opportunity would again be afforded to take an `` incidental '' stroll with her , as she should walk to church on Sunday morning ; and so , forming the resolution to haunt the forest-path from seven o'clock that next Sabbath morning until he should see her , Thurston hurried home . And how was it with Marian ? She hastened to the cottage , laid off her bonnet and shawl , and set herself at work as diligently as usual ; but a higher bloom glowed on her cheek , a softer , brighter light beamed in her eye , a warmer , sweeter smile hovered around her lips , a deeper , richer tone thrilled in her voice . On Sunday morning the lovers `` chanced '' to meet again -- for so Thurston would still have had it appear as he permitted Marian to overtake him in the forest on her way to the Sunday-school .