two o'clock
Rapidly the news spread along the row , from door to door , and from group to group . The first feeling was everywhere one of relief that it was not their turn this time ; then there was a chorus of pity for the widow . `` It will go hard with her , '' was the general verdict . Then the little groups broke up , and went back to their work of getting ready for the return of their husbands from the pit at two o'clock . One or two only , of those most intimate with the Simpsons , followed Jane Haden slowly down the street to the door of their house , and took up a position a short distance off , talking quietly together , in case they might be wanted , and with the intention of going in after the news was broken , to help comfort the widow , and to make what preparations were needed for the last incoming of the late master of the house . It was but a minute or two that they had to pause , for the door opened again , and Jane Haden beckoned them to come in . It had , as the gossips had predicted , gone hard with the young widow .