nearly four o'clock
`` It 's -- it 's very unfortunate , '' said Mr. Hearty nervously . `` Thank you , Mr. Hearty , '' she said . `` It 's little enough sympathy I get . '' It was not until nearly four o'clock that Bindle re-appeared with the intimation that he was ready to conduct Mr. Hearty to call upon Farmer Timkins with regard to the strawberries , the purchase of which had been the object of Mr. Hearty 's visit . `` Wo n't you come , too , Elizabeth ? '' enquired Mr. Hearty , turning to Mrs. Bindle . `` Thank you , Mr. Hearty , I should like to , '' she replied , tightening her bonnet strings as if in anticipation of further violent movement .