nearly nine o'clock
` Heartily glad not to be left to try to prop up a tumble-down log-hut with my own shoulder , ' he laughed . ` This journey to England has been the great desire of my life , and I am very thankful to have had it brought about . ' The conversation was broken off by Robert 's entrance . Finding that it was nearly nine o'clock , he went up-stairs to remind Miss Charlecote that tea had long been awaiting her , and presently brought her back from the silent watch by Owen 's side that had hitherto seemed to be rest and comfort to all the three . Owen had begged that his cup might be sent up by his friend , on whom he was very dependent , and it was agreed that Mr. Randolf should sleep in his room , and remain as a guest at Woolstone-lane until Mr. Currie should come to town . Indeed , Miss Charlecote relied on him for giving the physician an account of the illness which Owen , at his best , could not himself describe ; and she cordially thanked him for his evidently devoted attendance , going over every particular with him , but still so completely absorbed in her patient as to regard him in no light but as an appendage necessary to her boy . ` How did you get on with the backwoodsman , Phoebe ? '