ten o’clock
Upon which , Arabella , who was one of the best little creatures alive , put her handkerchief in her reticule , and by the time Mr. Winkle joined them , exhibited in full lustre the same beaming smiles and sparkling eyes that had originally captivated him . ` This is a distressing predicament for these young people , ' thought Mr. Pickwick , as he dressed himself next morning . ` I 'll walk up to Perker 's , and consult him about the matter . ' As Mr. Pickwick was further prompted to betake himself to Gray 's Inn Square by an anxious desire to come to a pecuniary settlement with the kind-hearted little attorney without further delay , he made a hurried breakfast , and executed his intention so speedily , that ten o'clock had not struck when he reached Gray 's Inn . It still wanted ten minutes to the hour when he had ascended the staircase on which Perker 's chambers were . The clerks had not arrived yet , and he beguiled the time by looking out of the staircase window . The healthy light of a fine October morning made even the dingy old houses brighten up a little ; some of the dusty windows actually looking almost cheerful as the sun 's rays gleamed upon them .