half past one
When she heard that Mary was to be a teacher , she said `` she was glad , for it was more respectable than going into a factory , or working out . '' Mrs. Campbell , too , felt in duty bound to express her pleasure , adding , that `` she hoped Mary would give satisfaction , but 't was extremely doubtful , she was _ so _ young , and possessed of so little dignity ! '' Unfortunately , Widow Perkins 's red cottage stood directly opposite the school-house ; and as the widow belonged to that stirring few who always `` wash the breakfast dishes , and make the beds before any one is up in the house , '' she had ample leisure to watch and report the proceedings of the new teacher . Now Mrs. Perkins 's clock was like its mistress , always half an hour in advance of the true time and Mary had scarcely taught a week ere Mr. Knight , `` the committee man , '' was duly hailed in the street , and told that the ` school-marm wanted lookin ' to , for she did n't begin no mornin ' till half-past nine , nor no afternoon till half past one ! `` Besides that , '' she added , `` I think she gives 'em too long a play spell . Any ways , seem 's ef some on em was out o'door the hull time . '' Mr. Knight had too much good sense to heed the widow 's complaints , and he merely replied , `` I 'm glad o n't .