six o'clock
`` Perhaps you are right , '' said Miss Jennings , slowly , then as the customers were gradually drifting back into the store she went forward to wait upon them with her usual indifference . For the next half hour Faith was very busy . The excitement had passed , leaving no trace behind it . At exactly six o'clock a big gong was sounded . Faith was so tired and nervous that she almost cried for joy when she heard it . `` It has been the hardest day of my life , '' she said to Miss Jennings as they reached the cloak-room . `` Well , you 'll have many such if you stay here long , '' was the reply .