nearly seven o'clock
At last , he came home from the store of Mr. Melleville , at the usual tea-time , feeling so unwell that he was forced to lie down . He had no appetite for supper , and merely sipped part of a cup of tea brought to him by his wife as he still reclined upon the bed . `` Do n't get up , '' said Edith , seeing her husband , after he had lain for some time , about to rise . `` I ca n't lie here any longer ; it 's nearly seven o'clock now . '' `` You 're not going out to-night ! '' `` O yes ; I must be at the store . There is no one to take my place , and the sales will begin by the time I can get there . ''