seven o'clock
He firmly believed the devil was there , urging him to burn the paper , and held several spirited conversations with him , pro and con , the cons finally gaining the victory . Late in the afternoon Jack 's telegram was brought to him . `` We 'll be home this evening . '' `` That means seven o'clock , and dinner at halfpast seven , '' he said to Peter . `` Send Sam with the carriage , and see that there are fires in their rooms . '' He had given his orders and then sat down to decide what he would do . `` I know the Old Harry is here with me , but his company is better than none , '' he said , wishing he had a shawl , he was so cold , with the room at 90 degrees .