About eight o'clock in the evening
Lucerne ! A man of more vigorous temper would have been maddened at the thought ; but Mr. Tymperley nursed it all day long , his emotions only expressing themselves in a little sigh or a sadly wistful smile . Having dined so well yesterday , he felt it his duty to expend less than usual on to-day 's meals . About eight o'clock in the evening , after a meditative stroll in the air which he had so praised , he entered the shop where he was wont to make his modest purchases . A fat woman behind the counter nodded familiarly to him , with a grin at another customer . Mr. Tymperley bowed , as was his courteous habit . ` Oblige me , ' he said , ` with one new-laid egg , and a small , crisp lettuce . '