six o’clock
Mr. Galloway at length concluded his long-delayed dinner that evening . Then he put on his hat , and , with Roland 's letter safe in his pocket , went out again to call on Lady Augusta . It happened , however , that Lady Augusta was not at home . She had gone to dine at Colonel Joliffe 's , a family who lived some distance from Helstonleigh -- necessitating an early departure from home , if she would be in time for their six o'clock dinner-hour . It had thus occurred that when the afternoon 's post arrived , Lady Augusta was in the bustle and hurry of dressing ; and Lady Augusta was one of those who are , and must be , in a bustle , even if they are only going to a friendly dinner-party . Martha was busily assisting , and the cook brought up two letters . `` Both for my lady , '' she said , giving them to Martha .