nine o'clock
As he found opportunity he did what he could to console Lemuel with furtive winks and nods . Lemuel dragged absently and haggardly through the day . In the evening he told Mrs. Harmon that he had to go round and see Mr. Sewell a moment . It was then nine o'clock , and she readily assented ; she guessed Mr. Williams -- he had told her his name was Williams -- could look after the office while he was gone . Mr. Williams was generously glad to do so . Behind Mrs. Harmon 's smooth large form , he playfully threatened her with his hand levelled at his shoulder ; but even this failed to gladden Lemuel . It was half-past nine when he reached the minister 's house , and the maid had a visible reluctance at the door in owning that Mr. Sewell was at home .