nearly six o'clock
One morning Mary Makebelieve jumped out of bed and lit the fire . For a wonder it lit easily : the match was scarcely applied when the flames were leaping up the black chimney , and this made her feel at ease with the world . Her mother stayed in bed chatting with something more of gayety than usual . It was nearly six o'clock , and the early summer sun was flooding against the grimy window . The previous evening 's post had brought a post-card for Mrs. Makebelieve , requesting her to call on a Mrs. O'Connor , who had a house off Harcourt Street . This , of course , meant a day 's work -- it also meant a new client . Mrs. Makebelieve 's clients were always new .