five o'clock
There being no hope of effective assistance from relatives , Mrs. Peak turned for counsel to a man of business , with whom her husband had made acquaintance in his farming days , and who held a position of influence at Twybridge . This was Mr. Moxey , manufacturing chemist , famous in the Midlands for his ` sheep and cattle dressings ' , and sundry other products of agricultural enterprise . His ill-scented , but lucrative , works were situated a mile out of the town ; and within sight of the reeking chimneys stood a large , plain house , uncomfortably like an ` institution ' of some kind , in which he dwelt with his five daughters . Thither , one evening , Mrs. Peak betook herself , having learnt that Mr. Moxey dined at five o'clock , and that he was generally to be found digging in his garden until sunset . Her reception was civil . The manufacturer -- sparing of words , but with no unkindly face -- requested that Godwin should be sent to see him , and promised to do his best to be of use . A talk with the boy strengthened his interest .