half past two o'clock
Though Joel returned every grasp with interest , the less vigorous hands of the professor were fairly benumbed by such constant shaking , but his eyes sparkled with joy , though a tear was stealing down his cheek ; but -- and the phenomenon was certainly well worthy the attention of ophthalmologists -- the tear was a luminous one . It took them fully a quarter of an hour to cross the court-yard , gain the main hall , and reach the seats that had been reserved for the professor . When this was at last accomplished , not without considerable difficulty , Sylvius Hogg seated himself between Hulda and Joel . At precisely half past two o'clock , the door at the rear of the platform opened , and the president of the lottery appeared , calm and dignified , and with the commanding mien befitting his exalted position . Two directors followed , bearing themselves with equal dignity . Then came six little blue-eyed girls , decked out in flowers and ribbons , six little girls whose innocent hands were to draw the lottery . Their entrance was greeted with a burst of loud applause that testified both to the pleasure all experienced on beholding the managers of the Christiania Lottery , and to the impatience with which the crowd was awaiting the beginning of the drawing .