seven o'clock
But none the less he could listen with the most intense interest and sympathy to these tales of these co-religionists of his own , who were so clearly convinced of their right to rebel in defence of their faith . And so with such stories the August afternoon passed away . It was a thundery day , which it would have been pleasanter to spend in the garden , but that , Sir Nicholas said , under the circumstances was not to be thought of ; so they threw the windows wide to catch the least breath of air ; and the smell of the flower-garden came sweetly up and flooded the low cool room ; and so they sat engrossed until the evening . Supper was ordered for Mr. Stewart at half-past seven o'clock ; and this meal Sir Nicholas had consented should be laid downstairs in his own private room opening out of the hall , and that he and his ladies should sit down to table at the same time . Mr. Stewart went to his room an hour before to dress for riding , and to superintend the packing of his saddle-bags ; and at half-past seven he was conducted downstairs by Sir Nicholas who insisted on carrying the saddle-bags with his own hands , and they found the two ladies waiting for them in the panelled study that had one window giving upon the terrace that ran along the south of the house above the garden . When supper had been brought in by Sir Nicholas ' own body-servant , Mr. Boyd , they sat down to supper after a grace from Sir Nicholas . The horses were ordered for nine o'clock .