afternoon, about half past five
`` Any Germans I met would probably die laughin ' and that might help along some . '' But after Miss Hunniwell had gone he sat for some minutes gazing out of the window , the wistful , dreamy look on his lean , homely face . Then he sighed , and resumed his painting . That afternoon , about half past five , he was still at his task when , hearing the doorbell ring , he rose and went into the front shop . To his astonishment the shop was empty . He looked about for the expected customer or caller , whoever he or she might be , and saw no one . He stepped to the window and looked out , but there was no one on the steps or in the yard .