a quarter before eight
`` I 'm as well as common , thank you , '' said Miss Prudence , grimly . `` Wo n't you be seated ? '' Mr. Pindar , as has already been said , was to call on Miss Wax that evening for her answer ; but Mr. Homer was before him , for this was Friday evening , which the little gentleman invariably spent with his life-long friend . Punctually at a quarter before eight he appeared , and found Miss Wax ready for him , sitting under the portrait , with her elbow resting on the little table . Her silk dress , of the kind called _ chiné _ , displayed bunches of apple-blossoms on a pale purple ground ; she wore a scarf of rose-colored crape , and a profusion of hair jewelry . Mr. Homer , as he advanced to greet her , made his usual mental comment that she was an elegant female , and pressed her hand cordially ; Miss Bethia returned the pressure , and inquired anxiously for his health . `` I trust you are feeling better , Homer , '' she said , kindly ; `` all this excitement is very disturbing to you , I am sure .