two o'clock in the
afternoon
This account , though it could not diminish his affection , nevertheless alarmed his pride ; for his warm imagination had exaggerated all his own prospects ; and he began to fear that his passion for Emilia might be thought to derogate from the dignity of his situation . The struggle between his interest and love produced a perplexity which had an evident effect upon his behaviour : he became pensive , solitary , and peevish ; avoided public diversions ; and grew so remarkably negligent in his dress , that he was scarce distinguishable by his own acquaintance . This contention of thoughts continued several weeks , at the end of which the charms of Emilia triumphed over every other consideration . Having received a supply of money from the commodore , who acted towards him with great generosity , he ordered Pipes to put up some linen and other necessaries in a sort of knapsack , which he could conveniently carry ; and , thus attended , set out early one morning on foot for the village where his charmer lived , at which he arrived before two o'clock in the afternoon ; having chosen this method of travelling that his route might not be so easily discovered , as it must have been had he hired horses , or taken a place in the stage-coach . The first thing he did was to secure a convenient lodging at the inn where he dined ; then he shifted himself , and , according to the direction he had received , went to the house of Mrs. Gauntlet in a transport of joyous expectation . As he approached the gate , his agitation increased ; he knocked with impatience and concern , the door opened , and he had actually asked if Mrs. Gauntlet was at home , before he perceived that the portress was no other than his dear Emilia . She was not without emotion at the unexpected sight of her lover , who instantly recognising his charmer obeyed the irresistible impulse of his love , and caught the fair creature in his arms .