six o'clock
I flattered myself that every dinner would add to my stock of images ; that every debate would clear up some difficulty , every discussion elucidate some truth ; that every allusion would be purely classical , every sentence abound with instruction , and every period be pointed with wit . On the tiptoe of expectation I went to dine with Sir John Belfield , in Cavendish-square . I looked at my watch fifty times . I thought it would never be six o'clock . I did not care to show my country breeding , by going too early , to incommode my friend , nor my town breeding , by going too late , and spoiling his dinner . Sir John is a valuable , elegant-minded man , and , next to Mr. Stanley , stood highest in my father 's esteem for his mental accomplishments and correct morals . As I knew he was remarkable for assembling at his table men of sense , taste , and learning , my expectations of pleasure were very high .