eight o'clock
Then I go ; but before we meet again , I , who now thoroughly understand Mr. Forde , say you will have done an hour 's work you will repent to the last day of your life . '' If the atmosphere of the City had proved trying to more than one person on that especial day when Mr. Forde felt it necessary to wonder what , in the event of Mortomley 's failing , was to become of his -- Forde 's -- wife and children , many people at Homewood had not found country air agree with them so well as usual . The morning broke clear and bright . Mortomley , with haggard face and listless mien , appeared early amongst his men , vibrating between office and works till eight o'clock ringing introduced into the manufactory the usual odours of fish and rank bacon , which were detestable in the nostrils of the owner of Homewood . Mr. Lang had overnight made up his mind to draw his employer 's attention to several matters of paramount importance . Mr. Hankins , stepping up to Homewood in the early morning , had determined , let who else would not , to speak to the governor about `` that ` ere -- lot of barytes ; '' but when the silent half-hour arrived , both intentions were unfulfilled . There had been that in Mortomley 's face which , like death , stopped criticism as well as comment .