eight o'clock
`` At the usual time , '' answered Berwin impatiently . `` Go away ! '' Mrs. Kebby gave a final glance round to see that all was in order , and shuffled out of the room as fast as her rheumatism would let her . As she left the house eight o'clock chimed from the steeple of a near church , and Mrs. Kebby , clinking her newly-received wages in her pocket , hurried out of the square to do her Christmas marketing . As she went down the street which led to it , Blinders , a burly , ruddy-faced policeman , who knew her well , stopped to make an observation . `` Is that good gentleman of yours home , Mrs. Kebby ? '' he asked , in the loud tones used to deaf people .