eight o'clock
`` I will be back soon , '' added Ellen , as she retired from the room . Mary sighed deeply when alone . She raised her eyes upwards for a few moments , then closing them and clasping her hands tightly together , she lay with her white face turned towards the light , more the image of death than of life . `` Here it is past eight o'clock , and that vest is not yet in , '' said Mr. Lawson , in a fretful tone . `` I had my doubts about the girl when I gave it to her . But she looked so poor , and seemed so earnest about work , that I was weak enough to intrust her with the garment . But I will take care , another time , how I let my feeling get the better of my judgment . ''