six o'clock
`` Praise the pigs ! we shall have something young in the house , at last , '' said she to herself . `` I do n't mind the extra work , if she 'll only make a bit of a stir ! '' By six o'clock the dinner-table was laid , and Miss Briskett was sitting in state , clad in her newest grey silk gown , though a reference to Bradshaw made it seem improbable that the traveller could arrive before seven o'clock . At half-past six hot water was carried up to the bedroom ; ten minutes later Miss Briskett left her seat to move another few yards nearer the window . Streaks of colour showed in her cheeks , her fingers clasped and unclasped in nervous fashion . She was conscious of a quick thud-thud at the left side of the thickly-boned bodice , and realised with surprise that it came from that almost forgotten organ , her heart .