four o'clock
Her day had been spent in idleness as far as her farm work was concerned . She had chosen the companionship of Alice , and had unburdened her heart to her . But sympathetic and practical as her friend was , she was quite unable to help her . As four o'clock drew near , however , Alice did the only thing possible . She took herself off for a walk down the Lakeville trail . She felt that it was better for everybody that she should be away while the trouble was on , and , besides , she would meet her lover on his way to the farm , and give him timely warning against making his meditated stay for the night . At the appointed hour there came the clatter of a pacer 's hoofs at the front gate , and a moment later Prudence led her lover into the parlour .