nine o'clock
He climbed down immediately , and came and took her hand in his , a demonstration of affection so unusual that she caught him in her arms and might have cuddled him with the undesired `` forty kisses , '' if he had not gently moved his head aside . But her eyes were so blurred with tears of fatigue and Fright she did not notice the rebuff . The next twenty-four hours were tense with expectation and fear . Helena 's mind veered almost with every breath : He had not telegraphed because he had not received her despatch ; because he was away from home ; because he was coming on Saturday ; -- _ because he was sorry Frederick was dead ... _ Saturday morning she and David watched the hill road from nine o'clock until stage-time . From the green bench under the poplar , the tavern porch on Main Street could just be seen ; and at a little before twelve Jonas 's lean , shambling nags drew up before it . Mrs. Richie was very pale . David , fretting at the dullness of the morning , asked her some question , but She did not hear him , and he pulled at her skirt .