eight in the morning
Bessie stoutly refusing to go into the shop -- it took more than George Boult to manage Bessie ! -- he was constrained to sanction the engaging of a youth to assist behind the counter . Mr. Pretty , therefore -- he was called `` Mr. '' for business purposes , his tender years hardly entitling him to the designation -- and a boy to go errands , composed the staff . From eight in the morning till eight at night the shop was open ; and even when it was supposed to be closed , Mrs. Day could not enjoy an undisturbed rest with her daughters and Franky in their upstairs sitting-room . For the neighbouring tradesmen , all of whom had stretched out friendly hands to the poor lady so unwillingly becoming one of them , had the bad habit of forgetting to make their purchases till after shop hours , when they would send their maids-of-all-work to the private door for the supper cheese , or the breakfast coffee they had too late discovered they were `` out of . '' Bessie and Deleah fought against the humouring of these out-of-season customers . Often they attempted to hold their tired mother forcibly in her chair when she would arise to go to them .