nine o'clock
Thus came to pass an event in the lives of Uncle Tom and Aunt Mary , that journey to New York -LRB- their first -RRB- of two nights and two days to fetch Honora . We need not dwell upon all that befell them . The first view of the Hudson , the first whiff of the salt air on this unwonted holiday , the sights of this crowded city of wealth , -- all were tempered by the thought of the child coming into their lives . They were standing on the pier when the windows were crimson in the early light , and at nine o'clock on that summer 's morning the Albania was docked , and the passengers came crowding down the gang-plank . Prosperous tourists , most of them , with servants and stewards carrying bags of English design and checked steamer rugs ; and at last a ruddy-faced bonne with streamers and a bundle of ribbons and laces -- Honora -- Honora , aged eighteen months , gazing at a subjugated world . `` What a beautiful child ! exclaimed a woman on the pier . ''