two o'clock
`` We need Selah ; her beauty and enthusiasm are real assets to this movement , '' said the Judge . `` Oh , we shall keep her on the board if I have to fight a duel with Marshall Adams , '' she replied with a cackling laugh . The conference which followed was of a nature so private that they instinctively adopted the tones of conspirators as they turned the pages of ledgers which Briggs had been required to submit for inspection . * * * * * At two o'clock Selah Adams slipped softly out of the house , crossed the street , and entered Mrs. Walton 's front door . `` She says come right up to her room , Miss Selah ; she 's busy and ca n't come down , '' said the negro maid , rolling her eyes and stifling either a snigger or a sob by slapping her hand over her mouth . The next moment Selah stood in the door of Mrs. Walton 's bedroom , staring with horrified eyes . Susan Walton , clad in only her essential underwear , lay flat upon her back on the floor .