six o'clock
It was something of a trial to Ned to walk through the street which he had passed along so many times in the last year oblivious of all within it . Every man and woman he met insisted on shaking hands with him . Tradesmen left their shops and ran out to greet him , and there was no mistaking the general enthusiasm which was felt on the occasion , and the desire of every one to atone as far as possible for the unmerited suffering which had been inflicted on him . When he returned at six o'clock he found Harriet still on the watch , and she said in low tones that Abijah had just come downstairs with the news that her mistress had fallen asleep . `` I should not think any one more will come , Harriet , but I will get you to stop here for a little longer . Then we must fasten up the knocker and take off the bell . The doctor says that it is all important that my mother should get a long and undisturbed sleep . ''