eight o'clock
As one lost , Jessie wandered to the depot , where a policeman , noticing her distress , drew her story from her . He said he knew of a most respectable old woman who was looking for a companion and wrote her name and address on a piece of paper for Jessie . The policeman readily consented to allow her to remain in the station until morning . It was a long and weary wait and at eight o'clock Jessie went to the house to which the policeman had directed her . A pompous footman conducted her to a spacious drawing-room , and placed a seat for her . After a long and dreary wait which seemed hours to Jessie , though in reality it was not over twenty minutes , she heard the rustle of a woman 's dress . An instant later , a little white , shrivelled hand , loaded with jewels pushed aside the satin _ portières _ , and an old lady appeared on the threshold .