five in the afternoon
Already he was thinking of a box with some friends , and flowers for Carrie . He would make it a dress-suit affair and give the little girl a chance . Within a day or two , Drouet dropped into the Adams Street resort , and he was at once spied by Hurstwood . It was at five in the afternoon and the place was crowded with merchants , actors , managers , politicians , a goodly company of rotund , rosy figures , silk-hatted , starchy-bosomed , beringed and bescarfpinned to the queen 's taste . John L. Sullivan , the pugilist , was at one end of the glittering bar , surrounded by a company of loudly dressed sports , who were holding a most animated conversation . Drouet came across the floor with a festive stride , a new pair of tan shoes squeaking audibly at his progress . `` Well , sir , '' said Hurstwood , `` I was wondering what had become of you .