It was thirty minutes past the dinner hour, and he was still away.

At last Mrs.Ellis gave him up.

A full hour had elapsed, and there was little probability of his return before the close of business for the day.

So she sat down with her children to eat the meal which long delay had spoiled, and for which she had now but little appetite.
Wearily passed the afternoon, and, as the usual time for Ellis's appearance drew near, his wife began to look for his coming with feelings of unusual concern.

Not concern for him, but for herself.