three in the afternoon
The streets were swept of mire ; eaves ceased to distil their sooty rheum ; even in the back-ways of Lambeth there was a sunny gleam on windows and a clear ring in all the sounds of life . It was Saturday . Between Egremont and Grail it had been decided that the latter should to-day take Thyrza to inspect the house . Egremont had gained the surly compliance of the caretaker -- the most liberal treatment made no difference in the strange old woman 's moroseness -- and Grail , promising himself pleasure from Thyrza 's surprise , said nothing more than that he wished to see her at three in the afternoon . The sisters did not come home together from their work , Lydia had an engagement with Mrs. Isaacs , of whom we have heard , and went to snatch a pretence of a dinner in a little shop to which she resorted when there was need . Thyrza , leaving the work-room at half-past one , did not take the direct way to Walnut Tree Walk ; the sun and the keen air filled her with a spirit of glad life , and a thought that it would be nice to see how her future home looked under the bright sky came to her temptingly . The distance was not great ; she soon came to Brook Street and , with some timidity , turned up the narrow passage , meaning to get a glimpse of the house and run away again .