About five o'clock
In the midst of a row of figures , `` Put yourself in my place '' intruded . Once after it had crossed his mind he laid down his pen , saying , `` Well , I think I should find it rather hard . I have a mind to drop in there this afternoon and see how it fares with his family ; that man has aroused my curiosity . '' About five o'clock he put on a gray wig and some old cast-off clothes , and walked to the door . Mrs. Bishop , a pale , weary-looking woman opened it . The poor old man requested permission to enter and rest a while , saying he was very tired with his long journey , for he had walked many miles that day . Mrs. Bishop cordially invited him in , and gave him the best seat the room afforded ; she then began to make preparations for tea .