eight o'clock
You know it 's hard lines for me to write . '' `` If you wish I 'll write for you . '' `` Thank you ; I 'll wait a day or two yet , and see if something does n't turn up . '' It was not yet eight o'clock when Richard , after having a bit of lunch , left the restaurant to return to the Massanets ' . Feeling that it was early yet , and having a desire to do some `` window gazing , '' he did not go up the Bowery , but strolled up Broadway instead . The magnificent windows and their rare and costly exhibits were to him an enjoyment of the keenest sort , and as he approached the neighborhood of Astor Place , where the book stores seem to have congregated , he walked slower and slower , taking in all there was to be seen of each establishment , how the windows were dressed and the stock arranged , and wondering away down in his heart if he would ever own , or have an interest in , any similar establishment . While deeply engaged in reading the titles of a number of volumes in a certain window , he felt a light tap on his shoulder , and turning , found himself face to face with Earle Norris .