Two o'clock
They consisted of people of the middling and lower classes of society , whose means of subsistence failed with the cessation of trade , and of the busy spirit of money-making in all its branches , peculiar to our country . There was an air of anxiety , sometimes of terror in the new-comers , strongly contrasted with the resigned and even satisfied mien of those who had had audience . I could read the influence of my friend in their quickened motions and cheerful faces . Two o'clock struck , after which none were admitted ; those who had been disappointed went sullenly or sorrowfully away , while I entered the audience-chamber . I was struck by the improvement that appeared in the health of Adrian . He was no longer bent to the ground , like an over-nursed flower of spring , that , shooting up beyond its strength , is weighed down even by its own coronal of blossoms . His eyes were bright , his countenance composed , an air of concentrated energy was diffused over his whole person , much unlike its former languor .