ten o’clock
How could he have pretended to do literary work in such cramped quarters , he who had never been able to write a line save in strict seclusion ? In his despair he had faced the impossible . Amy had shown more wisdom , though in a spirit of unkindness . Towards ten o'clock he was leaving the flat to go and find people who would purchase his books and old clothing and other superfluities ; but before he could close the door behind him , an approaching step on the stairs caught his attention . He saw the shining silk hat of a well-equipped gentleman . It was John Yule . ` Ha !