seven o'clock
Even with the most selfish disposition , the Vanity Fairian , as he witnesses this sordid part of the obsequies of a departed friend , ca n't but feel some sympathies and regret . My Lord Dives 's remains are in the family vault : the statuaries are cutting an inscription veraciously commemorating his virtues , and the sorrows of his heir , who is disposing of his goods . What guest at Dives 's table can pass the familiar house without a sigh ? -- the familiar house of which the lights used to shine so cheerfully at seven o'clock , of which the hall-doors opened so readily , of which the obsequious servants , as you passed up the comfortable stair , sounded your name from landing to landing , until it reached the apartment where jolly old Dives welcomed his friends ! What a number of them he had ; and what a noble way of entertaining them . How witty people used to be here who were morose when they got out of the door ; and how courteous and friendly men who slandered and hated each other everywhere else ! He was pompous , but with such a cook what would one not swallow ?