seven o’clock
The subject was fortunately changed , and Cummings read a most interesting article on the superiority of the bicycle to the horse . Dinner at Franching 's to meet Mr. Hardfur Huttle . MAY 10 . -- Received a letter from Mr. Franching , of Peckham , asking us to dine with him to-night , at seven o'clock , to meet Mr. Hardfur Huttle , a very clever writer for the American papers . Franching apologised for the short notice ; but said he had at the last moment been disappointed of two of his guests and regarded us as old friends who would not mind filling up the gap . Carrie rather demurred at the invitation ; but I explained to her that Franching was very well off and influential , and we could not afford to offend him . `` And we are sure to get a good dinner and a good glass of champagne . ''