Eleven o'clock
He almost dropped , at one time , as a postman crossed from the opposite side of the street , as if to enter their shop -- then passing on immediately , however , to the next door . Not a person , in short , entered the premises , whom he did not scrutinize narrowly and anxiously , but in vain . No -- buying and selling was the order of the day , as usual ! -- Eleven o'clock struck , and he sighed . `` You do n't seem well , '' said a pretty young woman , to whom , in a somewhat absent manner , he was exhibiting and describing the qualities of some cambric . `` Oh -- ye -- es , uncommon ! '' he replied ; `` never better , ma'am , than when so well employed ! ''