two in the afternoon
Mr. Ben Allen , who was dismally depressed with spirits and agitation , accompanied them as far as London Bridge , and in the course of the walk confided to Mr. Winkle , as an especially eligible person to intrust the secret to , that he was resolved to cut the throat of any gentleman , except Mr. Bob Sawyer , who should aspire to the affections of his sister Arabella . Having expressed his determination to perform this painful duty of a brother with proper firmness , he burst into tears , knocked his hat over his eyes , and , making the best of his way back , knocked double knocks at the door of the Borough Market office , and took short naps on the steps alternately , until daybreak , under the firm impression that he lived there , and had forgotten the key . The visitors having all departed , in compliance with the rather pressing request of Mrs. Raddle , the luckless Mr. Bob Sawyer was left alone , to meditate on the probable events of to-morrow , and the pleasures of the evening . The morning of the thirteenth of February , which the readers of this authentic narrative know , as well as we do , to have been the day immediately preceding that which was appointed for the trial of Mrs. Bardell 's action , was a busy time for Mr. Samuel Weller , who was perpetually engaged in travelling from the George and Vulture to Mr. Perker 's chambers and back again , from and between the hours of nine o'clock in the morning and two in the afternoon , both inclusive . Not that there was anything whatever to be done , for the consultation had taken place , and the course of proceeding to be adopted , had been finally determined on ; but Mr. Pickwick being in a most extreme state of excitement , persevered in constantly sending small notes to his attorney , merely containing the inquiry , ` Dear Perker . Is all going on well ? ' to which Mr. Perker invariably forwarded the reply , ` Dear Pickwick .