twenty minutes past six
You have got a fine voice , and it will improve with judicious use . Your father is now on the outlook for a teacher of elocution to instruct you how to make the best of it , and speak with power on God 's behalf '' When the afternoon of Wednesday began to draw towards the evening , there came on a mist , not a London fog , but a low wet cloud , which kept slowly condensing into rain ; and as the hour of meeting drew nigh with the darkness , it grew worse . Mrs Marshal had forgotten all about the meeting and the schoolmaster : her husband was late , and she wanted her dinner . At twenty minutes past six , she came upon her guest in the hall , kneeling on the doormat , first on one knee , then on the other , turning up the feet of his trousers . `` Why , Mr Graham , '' she said kindly , as he rose and proceeded to look for his cotton umbrella , easily discernible in the stand among the silk ones of the house , `` you 're never going out on a night like this ? '' `` I am going to the prayer meeting , ma'am , '' he said . `` Nonsense !