seven o'clock
he murmured , turning white as the sheet of paper he held . Then the letter dropped from his hand , and he stood as if stupefied for some moments ; but presently rapture darted through him ; a five-pound bank-note was in his hand , and it had been enclosed in the following letter : -- '' _ 35 , Thavies ' Inn , 29th July 18 -- . _ `` MY DEAR MR. TITMOUSE , `` Your last note addressed to our firm , has given me the greatest pain , and I hasten , on my return from the country , to forward you the enclosed trifle , out of my own personal resources -- and I sincerely hope it will be of temporary service to you . May I beg the favor of your company on Sunday evening next , at seven o'clock , to take a glass of wine with me ? I shall be quite alone and disengaged , and may have it in my power to make you some important communications , concerning matters in which , I assure you , I feel a very deep interest on your account . Begging the favor of an early answer to-morrow morning , I trust you will believe me , ever , my dear sir , your most faithful humble servant , `` OILY GAMMON . `` TITTLEBAT TITMOUSE , ESQ. '' The first balmy drop of the long-expected golden shower had at length fallen upon the panting Titmouse .