five o'clock
The attorney had no pleasure in doing people ill turns . But he had come to hear the distresses of his clients as tranquilly as doctors do the pangs of their patients . As he stood meditating near his window , he saw the poor vicar , with slow limbs and downcast countenance , walk under his laburnums and laurustinuses towards his little gate , and suddenly stop and turn round , and make about a dozen quick steps , like a man who has found a bright idea , towards the house , and then come to a thoughtful halt , and so turn and recommence his slow march of despair homeward . At five o'clock -- it was dark now -- there was a tread on the door-steps , and a double tattoo at the tiny knocker . It was the ` lawyer . ' Mr. Larkin entered the vicar 's study , where he was supposed to be busy about his sermon . ` My dear Sir ; thinking about you -- and I have just heard from an old humble friend , who wants high interest , and of course is content to take security somewhat personal in its nature .