nine o'clock
The old man pushed the package away from him and turned a stern face toward Quincy . `` I yield obedience , '' said he , `` to your wife 's command , but if one man or two stood now between me and my darling 's child , I would have their lives , if they tried to keep her from my arms for one instant even . '' After a little reflection he apologized for his vehement language , and sought his room to think , and hope , and wait -- but not to sleep . The next morning , a little before nine o'clock , a carriage containing two gentlemen stopped before a modest brick dwelling in West Forty-first Street . A servant admitted them and showed them into the little parlor . The room was empty . Quincy pointed to a sofa at the farther end of the room , and Sir Stuart took a seat thereon .