about a quarter past
seven
Penal Servitude and Death On Tuesday -- the day after his interview with Rushton -- Owen remained at home working at the drawings . He did not get them finished , but they were so far advanced that he thought he would be able to complete them after tea on Wednesday evening . He did not go to work until after breakfast on Wednesday and his continued absence served to confirm the opinion of the other workmen that he had been discharged . This belief was further strengthened by the fact that a new hand had been sent to the house by Hunter , who came himself also at about a quarter past seven and very nearly caught Philpot in the act of smoking . During breakfast , Philpot , addressing Crass and referring to Hunter , inquired anxiously : `` Ow 's ` is temper this mornin ' , Bob ? ' ` As mild as milk , ' replied Crass . ` You 'd think butter would n't melt in ` is mouth . '