six o'clock
He had already opened his bazaar through into the adjoining store , which he had bought out , and he kept every sort of thing desired or needed in a country town , with a tempting stock of articles before unknown to the shopkeepers of Hatboro ' . Everything was of the very quality represented ; the prices were low , but inflexible , and cash payments , except in the case of some rich customers of unimpeachable credit , were invariably exacted ; at the same time every reasonable facility for the exchange or return of goods was afforded . Nothing could exceed the justice and fidelity of his dealing with the public . He had even some effects of generosity in his dealing with his dependants ; he furnished them free seats in the churches of their different persuasions , and he closed every night at six o'clock , except Saturday , when the shop hands were paid off , and made their purchases for the coming week . He stepped lightly before Annie and Mrs. Munger , and pushed open the ground-glass door of his office for them . It was like a bank parlour , except for Mrs. Gerrish sitting in her husband 's leather-cushioned swivel chair , with her last-born in her lap ; she greeted the others noisily , without trying to rise . `` You see we are quite at home here , '' said Mr. Gerrish .