About fifteen minutes after nine
The idea had occurred to Mr. Tripp that Mrs. Rand must be very short of money , and might be induced to dispose of her place at a largely reduced figure . It would be a good-paying investment for him , and he was not above taking advantage of a poor widow 's necessities . Of course neither Mrs. Rand nor Chester had any idea of his motives or intentions , and they awaited his visit with considerable curiosity . About fifteen minutes after nine a shuffling was heard at the door , there was a knock , and a minute later Chester admitted the thin and shriveled figure of Silas Tripp . `` Good-evening , Mr. Tripp , '' said Mrs. Rand , politely . `` Good-evenin ' , ma'am , I thought I 'd call in and inquire how you were gettin ' along . '' `` Thank you , Mr. Tripp , for the interest you show in our affairs .