eight in the morning
`` On n'arrete pas dans un si beau chemin , '' continued the gay old gentleman , and , as the Colonel presented him to Julia , took the same liberty with that fair lady 's cheek . Julia laughed , coloured , and disengaged herself . `` I beg a thousand pardons , '' said the lawyer , with a bow which was not at all professionally awkward ; `` age and old fashions give privileges , and I can hardly say whether I am most sorry just now at being too well entitled to claim them at all , or happy in having such an opportunity to exercise them so agreeably -- '' `` Upon my word , sir , '' said Miss Mannering , laughing , `` If you make such flattering apologies , we shall begin to doubt whether we can admit you to shelter yourself under your alleged qualifications . '' `` I can assure you , Julia , '' said the Colonel , `` you are perfectly right ; my friend the counsellor is a dangerous person ; the last time I had the pleasure of seeing him , he was closeted with a fair lady , who , had granted him a tete-a-tete at eight in the morning . '' `` Ay , but , Colonel , '' said the counsellor , `` you should add , I was more indebted to my chocolate than my charms for so distinguished a favour , from a person of such propriety , of demeanour as Mrs. Rebecca . '' `` And that should remind me , Mr. Pleydell , '' said Julia , `` to offer you tea -- that is , supposing you have dined . '' `` Anything , Miss Mannering , from your hands , '' answered the gallant jurisconsult ; `` yes , I have dined-that is to say , as people dine at a Scotch inn . ''