nine o'clock
Once again I raised myself from the window , went over to the washing-stand , and sprinkled some water on the shiny knees of my trousers to dull them a little and make them look a trifle newer . Having done this , I pocketed paper and pencil as usual and went out . I stole very quietly down the stairs in order not to attract my landlady 's attention -LRB- a few days had elapsed since my rent had fallen due , and I had no longer anything wherewith to raise it -RRB- . It was nine o'clock . The roll of vehicles and hum of voices filled the air , a mighty morning-choir mingled with the footsteps of the pedestrians , and the crack of the hack-drivers ' whips . The clamorous traffic everywhere exhilarated me at once , and I began to feel more and more contented . Nothing was farther from my intention than to merely take a morning walk in the open air .