Twelve o’clock
It was his custom to glance his eye at Steighton and myself , to hang up his mackintosh , stand a minute with his back to the fire , and then walk out . Today he did not deviate from his usual habits ; the only difference was that when he looked at me , his brow , instead of being merely hard , was surly ; his eye , instead of being cold , was fierce . He studied me a minute or two longer than usual , but went out in silence . Twelve o'clock arrived ; the bell rang for a suspension of labour ; the workpeople went off to their dinners ; Steighton , too , departed , desiring me to lock the counting-house door , and take the key with me . I was tying up a bundle of papers , and putting them in their place , preparatory to closing my desk , when Crimsworth reappeared at the door , and entering closed it behind him . `` You 'll stay here a minute , '' said he , in a deep , brutal voice , while his nostrils distended and his eye shot a spark of sinister fire . Alone with Edward I remembered our relationship , and remembering that forgot the difference of position ; I put away deference and careful forms of speech ; I answered with simple brevity .