six o'clock
John admitted she had chosen a good paying profession ; and that if `` things '' did n't improve with him very soon he should try singing in the frequent spare moments of his errands running . The day wore on , and although it must be recorded that Betty did not always make a shilling an hour , her `` takings '' were very fair , considering many things , notably her lack of voice and great shyness so soon as anything approaching an audience gathered around her . -LSB- Illustration : `` Only a little barefooted girl asleep -- fast asleep upon his lounge . '' -RSB- By six o'clock a great weariness had crept over her . Unused to city pavements , her limbs ached wofully , her feet were blistered and swollen , her head ached from the noises of the busy city , and her heart ached for her little white bed at home . For the day was growing old and it was almost bed-time . Presently the stars stole out and began to play at hide and seek , and Betty who had finished counting her money again , was still standing tiredly on one foot at the corner of Market and George Streets , waiting for John -- John who had promised to be with her at six ; and now it was after seven and he had not come .