three minutes past nine
Lily might have wondered if she was not dreaming , but she was far too practical ever to be in the least doubt as to whether she was asleep or awake . And now she perceived that scores of angry women about her were equally disappointed by the disgraceful absence of those stoles . The department , misty , stuffy , and noisy , had the air of being the scene of an insurrection . One lady was informing the public generally that she had demanded a guinea stole at three minutes past nine , and had been put off with a monstrous excuse . And then a newspaper reporter appeared , and began to take notes . The din increased , though shopwalkers said less and less , and the chances seemed in favour of the insurrection becoming a riot . Other admirable bargains in furs were indubitably to be had -- muffs , for example -- and the cashiers were busy ; but nothing could atone for the famine of stoles .