six o'clock before
He would know from the boarding-house keeper that she was near , and he would be waiting for her . Like a timid tourist , she was hatted and veiled and gloved long before they entered the grimy outskirts of the city , and sat , hot-cheeked , breathing fast , on the edge of her seat , far more thrilled and shaken than she had been , four years and more ago , when she made her exodus from the village to the wide world . The narrow strip of mirror between the windows framed her radiant face ; now indeed was she _ anointed with the oil of joy above her fellows _ . Between a slight delay of the train , and the snail 's pace of the taxicab through the traffic , it would be quite six o'clock before she reached Mrs. Hetty Hills ' house in Washington Square ; he would be absolutely certain to be home . Everything took on an especial beauty and significance , -- the crowded streets , the shop windows , the lights , the people , -- her heart went out to all of them -- rich man , poor man , beggar man , thief ; they were Michael 's and they would be hers . He should have that oil of joy for his work , for his high , selfless purposes . It was hard to wait even an instant to see him , to have him ask , and to answer , but it was wonderful to wait , in faith and utter confidence .