one o'clock
The reading-room of the Literary Institute heard many an animated conversation among the zealous partisans who hoped great things from the approaching contest . The talkers were not men of recognized standing , the manufacturers and landowners whose influence was of most importance -- for these personages were seldom seen at the Institute ; but certain `` small '' people , fidgety , or effervescent , or enthusiastic , eager to hear their own voices raised in declamation , and to get spoken of in the town as representatives of public opinion . Such a group had gathered early one afternoon in this month of October . The hour was unusual , for between one o'clock and four the reading-room was generally abandoned to a few very quiet , somnolent persons ; but to-day an exciting piece of news had got about in Polterham , and two or three ardent politicians hastened from their dinner-tables to discuss the situation with Mr. Wykes , secretary of the Institute , or any one else who might present himself . It was reported that Mr. Welwyn-Baker had had a seizure of some kind , and that he lay in a dangerous state at his house just outside the town . `` It 's perfectly true , '' affirmed Mr. Wykes . `` I saw Dr. Staple on his way there .