ten o’clock at night
So saying I turned from the door , and with slower steps than I had come , returned to my hotel . My immediate resolve was to set out for Paris ; my second was to visit my uncle , Sir Guy Lorrequer , first , and having explained to him the nature of my position , and the advantageous prospects before me , endeavour to induce him to make some settlement on Lady Jane , in the event of my obtaining her family 's consent to our marriage . This , from his liking great people much , and laying great stress upon the advantages of connexion , I looked upon as a matter of no great difficulty ; so that , although my hopes of happiness were delayed in their fulfilment , I believed they were only about to be the more securely realized . The same day I set out for Elton , and by ten o'clock at night reached my uncle 's house . I found the old gentleman looking just as I had left him three years before , complaining a little of gout in the left foot -- praising his old specific , port-wine -- abusing his servants for robbing him -- and drinking the Duke of Wellington 's health every night after supper ; which meal I had much pleasure in surprising him at on my arrival -- not having eaten since my departure from London . `` Well , Harry , '' said my uncle , when the servants had left the room , and we drew over the spider table to the fire to discuss our wine with comfort , `` what good wind has blown you down to me , my boy ? for it 's odd enough , five minutes before I heard the wheels on the gravel I was just wishing some good fellow would join me at the grouse -- and you see I have had my wish !