nearly six o’clock
What she had said to Robin Pierce she might not choose ever to say again . She would not choose ever to say it again -- of that she was certain -- but she had not ceased to think it . A conviction based upon no evidence that could be brought forward to convince anyone is the last thing that can be destroyed in a woman 's heart . It was nearly six o'clock when Lady Holme heard a step coming up the stairs . She was still sitting in the deep chair , and had scarcely moved . The step startled her . She put her hands on the arms of the chair and leaned forward .