evening, about eight o'clock
When , perceiving the power he had over her , he was mean enough to borrow and squander the slender gains she made by the laborious work of dress-making -- compared to which coal-heaving must be mere child 's play -- she experienced a change in her feelings towards him , which she could not easily understand or define . Her thoughts of him were mingled with intense regrets and anxieties , and she looked forward to his visits with alarm . Yet those thoughts were not the result of dying affection ; she felt quite certain of that , having learned from experience that , `` many waters can not quench love . '' One evening , about eight o'clock , Phil Sparks , having prosecuted his `` business '' up to that hour without success , tapped at the door of Martha 's garret and entered without waiting for permission ; indeed , his tapping at all was a rather unwonted piece of politeness . `` Come in , Phil , '' said Martha , rising and shaking hands , after which she resumed her work . `` You seem busy to-night , '' remarked Sparks , sitting down on a broken chair beside the fireless grate , and taking out his bosom companion , a short black pipe , which he began to fill . `` I am always busy , '' said Martha , with a sigh .