nine o'clock
For awhile , Leonard remained in a state almost of stupefaction , repeating to himself , as if unwilling to believe them , the words he had just heard . He had not recovered when the grocer entered the shop , and noticing his haggard looks , kindly inquired if he felt unwell . The apprentice returned an evasive answer , and half determined to relate all he knew to his master , but the next moment he changed his intention , and , influenced by that chivalric feeling which always governs those , of whatever condition , who love profoundly , resolved not to betray the thoughtless girl , but to trust to his own ingenuity to thwart the designs of his rival , and preserve her Acting upon this resolution , he said he had a slight headache , and instantly resumed his occupation . At nine o'clock , the whole family assembled at supper . The board was plentifully though plainly spread , but the grocer observed , with some uneasiness , that his apprentice , who had a good appetite in ordinary , ate little or nothing . He kept his eye constantly upon him , and became convinced from his manner that something ailed him . Not having any notion of the truth , and being filled with apprehensions of the plague , his dread was that Leonard was infected by the disease .