about eight o'clock in the evening
It was all he said , or , if he had intended to say more , which , however , is not probable , no opportunity was afforded him ; for at this moment three labouring men of his acquaintance , who were on their way to their work , came up and began conversing . On this interruption taking place , the young man rose , wished him a good morning , which was merely replied to by a slight nod , and went his way . At this point in our story , we change the scene to the writing chambers of Mr. Langridge , and the time we advance to the evening of the day on which our tale opens . It will surprise the reader to find our old stone-breaker , still wearing the patched and threadbare clothes , the battered and torn hat , and the coarse , strong shoes , which had never rejoiced in the contact of blacking brush , in which he prosecuted his daily labours , ringing the door-bell of Mr Langridge 's house , about eight o'clock in the evening . It will still more surprise him , perhaps , to find this man received , notwithstanding the homeliness , we might have said wretchedness , of his appearance , by Mr Langridge himself with great courtesy , and even with a slight air of deference . On his entering the apartment in which that gentleman was , the latter immediately rose from his seat , and advanced , with extended hand , towards him . `` Ah , Mr Lumsden , '' he exclaimed , `` how do you do ?