seven o'clock
It was clear from Mr Durfy 's tone he was not going to attempt to `` chuck him out , '' and nothing therefore could be gained by remaining . He turned scornfully on his heel , knowing that he had made one enemy , at any rate , during his short connection with his new business . And if he had known all , he could have counted two ; for Mr Durfy , finding himself in a mood to wreak his wrath on some one , summoned the ill-favoured Barber to sweep out the back case-room , and gave his orders so viciously that Barber felt distinctly aggrieved , and jumping to the conclusion that Reginald had somehow contrived to turn the tables on him , he registered a secret vow , there and then , that he would on the first opportunity , and on all subsequent opportunities , be square with that luckless youth . Caring very little about who hated him or who liked him , Reginald wandered forth , to intercept the faithful Horace with the now unnecessary water ; and the two boys , finding very little to occupy them during the rest of the day , remained in comparative seclusion until the seven o'clock bell rang , when they walked home , possibly wiser , and certainly sadder , for their first day with the _ Rocket _ Newspaper Company , Limited . If anything could have made up to the two boys for the hardships and miseries of the day , it was the sight of their mother 's bright face as she awaited them that evening at the door of Number 6 , Dull Street . If the day had been a sad and lonely one for Mrs Cruden , she was not the woman to betray the secret to her sons ; and , indeed , the happiness of seeing them back was enough to drive away all other care for the time being . Shabby as the lodgings were , and lacking in all the comforts and luxuries of former days , the little family felt that evening , as they gathered round the tea-table and unburdened their hearts to one another , more of the true meaning of the word `` home '' than they had ever done before .