nearly five o'clock
He had no coals left , and no money wherewith to buy them : a few sticks and some coke and cinders were the materials out of which he was trying to make a fire , and naturally the result was not very inspiriting . The kettle , which was standing on the dull embers , showed not the slightest inclination to `` sing . '' Francis Trent , outstretched on a basket-chair -LRB- the only comfortable article of furniture that the room contained -RRB- , gave the fire an occasional stir with his foot , and bestowed upon it a deal of invective . `` It will be out directly , '' he said at last , sitting up and looking dismally about him ; `` and it 's nearly five o'clock . She said she would be here at four . Ugh ! how cold it is !