eight o'clock
It was therefore a most mournful Loyalheart who listlessly packed a traveling bag , preparatory to the next morning 's journey . Long after the house was quiet for the night , she lay awake , debating with herself whether or not it were wise to go to Overton . Morning found her still undecided . When at half-past eight o'clock she and Elfreda descended the stairs , luggage in hand , she experienced a wild desire to refuse flatly to go . The thought that the taxicab ordered to convey them to the station was probably on its way to the house , brought her a remorseful reflection that she had no right to back out at the last moment , thus disappointing Elfreda . `` What 's the matter with that taxicab , I wonder ? '' grumbled the latter .