ten o'clock
`` I feel sure , that in one month , he will look like a different man . Rest yourself , now , William , and to-morrow I will see you again . '' And , followed by the blessings and thanks of the young couple , Uncle Joshua departed . `` Past ten o'clock , '' he said to himself , as he paused near a lamp-post and looked at his watch . `` I must go to my own room . '' As he said this he was startled by a deep sigh from some one near , and on looking round , saw a lad , of fourteen or fifteen years of age , leaning against the post , and looking earnestly at him . Uncle Joshua recognised the son of a poor widow , whom he had occasionally befriended , and said , kindly , `` Well , John , are you on your way home from the store ?