two o'clock
Do n't you worry and fret , for I will see your ma has what she needs . I was mothered by the best woman God ever made , and since she died , every sick mother I see has a sort of claim on my heart . '' Pausing an instant to adjust the tucker of her machine , Mrs. Emmet looked up , and involuntarily the women shook hands , as if sealing a compact . It was a long walk to the building whither Beryl directed her steps , and as she passed through the rear entrance of a large and fashionable photograph establishment , she was surprised to find that it was half-past two o'clock . The Superintendent of the department , from whom she received her work , was a man of middle-age , of rather stern and forbidding aspect ; and as she approached his desk , he pointed to the clock on the mantel-piece . `` Barely time to submit those types for inspection , and have them packed for the express going East . They are birthday gifts , and birthdays have an awkward habit of arriving rigidly on time . ''