eight o'clock
When , the next morning , her friend started for the village to call upon Old Swallowtail , she pressed her hand and wished her good luck . Josie departed in her plain gingham dress , shoes run over at the heels , hair untidy and uncovered by hat or hood -- a general aspect of slovenly servitude . Mr. Cragg was never an early riser . He breakfasted at eight o'clock and at half past eight stalked with stiff dignity to town and entered his office without deigning to recognize any villagers he might meet . Josie was aware of this habit . She timed her visit for half-past ten . Unnoticed she passed through the village street and crept up the stairs at the end of the store building .