seven in the morning
For the pain , as well as the public estimate of disgrace , depends on the amount of previous profession . To men who only aim at escaping felony , nothing short of the prisoner 's dock is disgrace . But Mr. Bulstrode had aimed at being an eminent Christian . It was not more than half-past seven in the morning when he again reached Stone Court . The fine old place never looked more like a delightful home than at that moment ; the great white lilies were in flower , the nasturtiums , their pretty leaves all silvered with dew , were running away over the low stone wall ; the very noises all around had a heart of peace within them . But everything was spoiled for the owner as he walked on the gravel in front and awaited the descent of Mr. Raffles , with whom he was condemned to breakfast . It was not long before they were seated together in the wainscoted parlor over their tea and toast , which was as much as Raffles cared to take at that early hour .