five o’clock
On the walls were a few autotypes and old engravings . A recess between fireplace and window was fitted with shelves , which supported hundreds of volumes , the overflow of Yule 's library . The table was laid for a meal . It best suited the convenience of the family to dine at five o'clock ; a long evening , so necessary to most literary people , was thus assured . Marian , as always when she had spent a day at the Museum , was faint with weariness and hunger ; she cut a small piece of bread from a loaf on the table , and sat down in an easy chair . Presently appeared a short , slight woman of middle age , plainly dressed in serviceable grey . Her face could never have been very comely , and it expressed but moderate intelligence ; its lines , however , were those of gentleness and good feeling .