eight o’clock
There is little doubt that troubles are exceedingly gregarious in their nature , and flying in flocks , are apt to perch capriciously ; crowding on the heads of some poor wights until there is not an inch of room left on their unlucky crowns , and taking no more notice of others who offer as good resting-places for the soles of their feet , than if they had no existence . It may have happened that a flight of troubles brooding over London , and looking out for Joseph Willet , whom they could n't find , darted down haphazard on the first young man that caught their fancy , and settled on him instead . However this may be , certain it is that on the very day of Joe 's departure they swarmed about the ears of Edward Chester , and did so buzz and flap their wings , and persecute him , that he was most profoundly wretched . It was evening , and just eight o'clock , when he and his father , having wine and dessert set before them , were left to themselves for the first time that day . They had dined together , but a third person had been present during the meal , and until they met at table they had not seen each other since the previous night . Edward was reserved and silent . Mr Chester was more than usually gay ; but not caring , as it seemed , to open a conversation with one whose humour was so different , he vented the lightness of his spirit in smiles and sparkling looks , and made no effort to awaken his attention .