two o'clock
We hope to dine with you , and to go on in the evening to the next town , for our time is short . I have sent a fine haunch of venison which I bought yesterday from the innkeeper where we slept ; it will be just fit for dressing to-morrow ; so I shall be obliged to Mrs. Fairchild to order her cook to roast it by two o'clock , which is my dinner-hour . My man Thomas , who brings this letter , will tell the cook how I like to have my venison dressed ; and he brings a pot of currant jelly , to make sauce , in case you should have none by you ; though I dare say this precaution is not necessary , as Mrs. Fairchild , no doubt , has all these things by her . I am not particular about my eating ; but I should be obliged to you if you would have the venison ready by two o'clock , and let Thomas direct your cook . My wife and sister and daughter Betsy send best compliments to our old friend , Mrs. Fairchild , and hoping we shall meet in health to-morrow , `` I remain , dear Mr. Fairchild , `` Your old friend , `` OBADIAH CROSBIE . `` P.S. -- You will find the haunch excellent ; we dined upon the neck yesterday , and it was the best I ever tasted . '' When Mr. Fairchild had finished the letter , he smiled , and said : `` I shall be very glad to see our old friends , but I am sorry poor Mr. Crosbie still thinks so much about eating .