Eight o'clock
Earnestly did she strive to repress the disturbed beatings of her heart , but she strove in vain . And it seemed to her , as it often does in such cases , that everything went wrong . The children were fretful , the cook dilatory and cross , and Mr. Winkleman impatient , because sundry little matters pertaining to his wardrobe were not just to his mind . `` Eight o'clock , and no breakfast yet , '' said Mr. Winkleman , as he drew out his watch , on completing his own toilet . Mrs. Winkleman was in the act of dressing the last of five children , all of whom had passed under her hands . Each had been captious , cross , or unruly , sorely trying the mother 's patience . Twice had she been in the kitchen , to see how breakfast was progressing , and to enjoin the careful preparation of a favourite dish with which she had purposed to surprise her husband .