nearly eight o’clock
Oh Life , without thy chequered scene , Of right and wrong , of weal and woe , Success and failure , could a ground For magnanimity be found ? WORDSWORTH . Dr. May was called for late the next day , Friday , and spent some time in one of the houses near the river . It was nearly eight o'clock when he came away , and he lingered , looking towards the school , in hopes of a walk home with his boys . Presently he saw Norman coming out from under the archway , his cap drawn over his face , and step , gesture , and manner betraying that something was seriously wrong . He came up almost to his father without seeing him , until startled by his exclamation , `` Norman -- why , Norman , what 's the matter ? '' Norman 's lips quivered , and his face was pale -- he seemed as if he could not speak .