nearly one
o'clock
He was Tom 's friend , she let it be understood . Nevertheless , she met his eyes once or twice , and she had a pleasant and amiable look . She began to think that there must be something very striking and attractive about this young sailor , when even her brother Tom -- who seemed to consider that the whole world should wait upon his highness -- so clearly went out of his way to make himself agreeable . Not only that , but when they had had enough of the pier , and had taken a stroll or two along the King 's Road , bringing the time to nearly one o'clock , what must Mr. Tom do but insist that Frank King should come in and lunch with them ? ` Well , I will , ' said he , ` if you will dine with me at the hotel in the evening . Dining by yourself at a hotel is not exhilarating . ' ` But you 'd far better dine with us too , ' said Mr. Tom , boldly .