midday
However , they are prosperous -LRB- for Turner Road -RRB- , and have managed , so far , to keep their home together . The sunset was framed in a glow of smoky glory at the end of the street down which Mrs. Partington was staring , resembling a rather angry search-light turned on from the gates of heaven . The street was still quiet ; but already from the direction of the Board-school came thin and shrill cries as the swarm of children exploded in all directions . Mrs. Partington -LRB- she would have said -RRB- was waiting for her children -- Jimmy , Maggie and ` Erb -- and there were lying within upon the bare table three thick slices of bread and black jam ; as a matter of fact , she was looking out for her lodgers , who should have arrived by midday . Then she became aware that they were coming , even as she looked , advancing down the empty street _ en échelon _ . Two of them she knew well enough -- they had lodged with her before ; but the third was to be a stranger , and she was already interested in him -- the Major had hinted at wonderful mysteries ... . So she shaded her eyes against the cold glare and watched them carefully , with that same firm , resolute face with which she always looked out upon the world ; and even as , presently , she exchanged that quick , silent nod of recognition with the Major and Gertie , still she watched the brown-faced , shabby young man who came last , carrying his bundle and walking a little lame .