evening, about eight o'clock
He introduced Bert to his wife and daughter , who seemed at once drawn to the young actor . When he left the house the next morning after breakfast he was urgently invited to call again during his stay , and partially promised to do so . But he was in haste to reach Peoria , for there it was he hoped to find a witness that would vindicate his father 's name and fame . One evening , about eight o'clock , Mrs. Barton was sewing in her little sitting-room when an unusual feeling of loneliness overcame her . Circumstances had separated her from her husband , and her only son was hundreds of miles away . `` Why , '' she asked herself , `` can I not fare as well as other wives and mothers ? I am a wife , yet I can not enjoy my husband 's society .