two o'clock
`` Angels and ministers of grace defend us ! Be thy intents wicked or charitable , Thou com ` st in such a questionable shape That I will speak to thee . '' SHAKESPEARE . It was past two o'clock when Mr John Forster returned from his chambers , and let himself in with a pass-key . Having secured the street-door , the old gentleman lighted his candle from the lamp , which he then blew out , and had his foot upon the first step of the stairs , when he was startled by a loud snore from Nicholas in the dining-room ; he immediately proceeded there , and found his brother , with his head still lying on the table . `` Humph ! '' ejaculated the lawyer .