one o'clock
The four boxes were sold for the sum offered , and the woman lifted the tray upon her head , and moved on again . The sun shone out still hotter and hotter as the day advanced . Large beads of perspiration rolled from the throbbing temples of the strawberry-woman , as she passed wearily up one street and down another , crying her fruit at the top of her voice . At length all were sold but five boxes , and now it was past one o'clock . Long before this she ought to have been at home . Faint from over-exertion , she lifted her tray from her head , and placing it upon a door-step , sat down to rest . As she sat thus , a lady came up , and paused at the door of the house , as if about to enter .