eight o'clock
replied Mrs Roby , with a smile . To say truth , the old woman seemed less alarmed than might have been expected . Probably the noise of the Captain 's approach , and previous experience , had prepared her for some startling visitation , for she was quite calm , and a humorous twinkle in her eyes seemed to indicate the presence of a spirit somewhat resembling that which actuated Gillie White . `` Well , that 's all right , '' said the Captain , rising and pushing up the trap-door that led to his private berth in the new lodging ; `` and now , old lady , havin ' come to an anchor , I must get this chest sent aloft as fast as I can , seein ' that I 've to clean myself an ' rig out for a dinner at eight o'clock at the west end . '' `` Dear me , '' said Mrs Roby , in surprise , `` you must have got among people of quality . '' `` It wo n't be easy to hoist it up , '' said the Captain , ignoring the remark , and eyeing the chest and trap-door in the roof alternately . Just then a heavy step was heard in the passage ; and a young man of large and powerful frame , with a gentle as well as gentlemanly demeanour , appeared at the door .