four o'clock
He , however , with true English good-nature , told her that she had an excellent chance of finding him in this part of the town , if he were in London -- he was sorry that his shopman was from home , or he would have sent him with her through the streets near the square , where he knew the emigrants chiefly lodged ; -- he gave her in writing a list of the names of these streets , and stood at his door to watch and speed her on her way . She called at the neighbouring shops -- she walked down several narrow streets , inquiring at every house , where she thought that there was any chance of success , in vain . At one a slip-shod maid-servant came to the door , who stared at seeing a well-dressed lady , and who was so bewildered , that she could not , for some time , answer any questions ; at another house the master was out ; at another , the master was at dinner . As it got towards four o'clock , Mad . de Rosier found it more difficult to obtain civil answers to her inquiries , for almost all the tradesmen were at dinner , and when they came to the door , looked out of humour , at being interrupted , and disappointed at not meeting with a customer . She walked on , her mind still indefatigable : -- she heard a clock in the neighbourhood strike five -- her strength was not equal to the energy of her mind -- and the repeated answers of , `` We know of no such person '' -- `` No such boy lives here , ma'am , '' made her at length despair of success . One street upon her list remained unsearched -- it was narrow , dark , and dirty ; -- she stopped for a moment at the corner , but a porter , heavily laden , with a sudden `` By your leave , ma'am ! ''