two o'clock
`` I have no objection to color , ma'am . '' An expression of relief dawned upon Mrs. Stuart 's countenance , for the black cook had been an insurmountable obstacle to all the Irish ladies who had applied . Thoughtfully tapping her Roman nose with the handle of her brush Madame took another survey of the new applicant , and seeing that she looked neat , intelligent , and respectful , gave a sigh of thankfulness and engaged her on the spot . Much elated Christie rushed home , selected a bag of necessary articles , bundled the rest of her possessions into an empty closet -LRB- lent her rent-free owing to a profusion of cockroaches -RRB- , paid up her board , and at two o'clock introduced herself to Hepsey Johnson , her fellow servant . Hepsey was a tall , gaunt woman , bearing the tragedy of her race written in her face , with its melancholy eyes , subdued expression , and the pathetic patience of a wronged dumb animal . She received Christie with an air of resignation , and speedily bewildered her with an account of the duties she would be expected to perform . A long and careful drill enabled Christie to set the table with but few mistakes , and to retain a tolerably clear recollection of the order of performances .