6 A.M.
A broad gravel walk runs between the building and the river , which is always trim and cared for ; and at the end of the walk , under the parapet of the approach to the bridge , is a large and well-worn seat , on which , in mild weather , three or four of Hiram 's bedesmen are sure to be seen seated . Beyond this row of buttresses , and further from the bridge , and also further from the water which here suddenly bends , are the pretty oriel windows of Mr Harding 's house , and his well-mown lawn . The entrance to the hospital is from the London road , and is made through a ponderous gateway under a heavy stone arch , unnecessary , one would suppose , at any time , for the protection of twelve old men , but greatly conducive to the good appearance of Hiram 's charity . On passing through this portal , never closed to anyone from 6 A.M. till 10 P.M. , and never open afterwards , except on application to a huge , intricately hung mediæval bell , the handle of which no uninitiated intruder can possibly find , the six doors of the old men 's abodes are seen , and beyond them is a slight iron screen , through which the more happy portion of the Barchester elite pass into the Elysium of Mr Harding 's dwelling . Mr Harding is a small man , now verging on sixty years , but bearing few of the signs of age ; his hair is rather grizzled , though not gray ; his eye is very mild , but clear and bright , though the double glasses which are held swinging from his hand , unless when fixed upon his nose , show that time has told upon his sight ; his hands are delicately white , and both hands and feet are small ; he always wears a black frock coat , black knee-breeches , and black gaiters , and somewhat scandalises some of his more hyperclerical brethren by a black neck-handkerchief . Mr Harding 's warmest admirers can not say that he was ever an industrious man ; the circumstances of his life have not called on him to be so ; and yet he can hardly be called an idler . Since his appointment to his precentorship , he has published , with all possible additions of vellum , typography , and gilding , a collection of our ancient church music , with some correct dissertations on Purcell , Crotch , and Nares .