four o'clock
`` I think I shall come with you to-morrow , '' said Christopher , `` or I shall have these blackguards pestering you . '' `` Oh , Florry will send them to the right-about . She is as brave as a lion . '' Next day Dr. Staines was sent for into the City at twelve to pay the money and receive the lease of the Bijou , and this and the taking possession occupied him till four o'clock , when he came to his hotel . Meantime , his wife and Mrs. Cole had gone to the auction-room . It was a large room , with a good sprinkling of people , but not crowded except about the table . At the head of this table -- full twenty feet long -- was the auctioneer 's pulpit , and the lots were brought in turn to the other end of the table for sight and sale .