nearly two o'clock
I am very anxious about the precentorship : the archdeacon thinks it must go with the wardenship ; I think not , and , that , having it , I can not be ousted . I will , however , be guided by you and the dean . No other duty will suit me so well , or come so much within my power of adequate performance . I thank you from my heart for the preferment which I am now giving up , and for all your kindness , and am , dear bishop , now as always -- Yours most sincerely , SEPTIMUS HARDING LONDON , -- AUGUST , 18 -- Having written these letters and made a copy of the former one for the benefit of the archdeacon , Mr Harding , whom we must now cease to call the warden , he having designated himself so for the last time , found that it was nearly two o'clock , and that he must prepare for his journey . Yes , from this time he never again admitted the name by which he had been so familiarly known , and in which , to tell the truth , he had rejoiced . The love of titles is common to all men , and a vicar or fellow is as pleased at becoming Mr Archdeacon or Mr Provost , as a lieutenant at getting his captaincy , or a city tallow-chandler in becoming Sir John on the occasion of a Queen 's visit to a new bridge . But warden he was no longer , and the name of precentor , though the office was to him so dear , confers in itself no sufficient distinction ; our friend , therefore , again became Mr Harding .