About nine o'clock
It was early in the spring , and there was a great deal of building in the city . Business was very driving , and I had all I could do . It was the same thing over and over again all day long ; but I enjoyed my occupation in spite of its monotony . About nine o'clock Mr. Richard Collingsby entered the counting-room . He passed my desk , glanced at me , and entered the sacred precincts of his sanctorum . Mr. Whippleton immediately made him a visit , and doubtless informed his senior that he had engaged an entry clerk . I did not see the dignified partner again till he left the counting-room at two o'clock .