eleven o’clock
He remembered all his life how a haunting uneasiness gradually gained possession of him , growing more and more painful and driving him on , against his will . Yet he kept cursing himself , of course , all the way for going to this lady , but `` I will get to the bottom of it , I will ! '' he repeated for the tenth time , grinding his teeth , and he carried out his intention . It was exactly eleven o'clock when he entered Madame Hohlakov 's house . He was admitted into the yard pretty quickly , but , in response to his inquiry whether the lady was still up , the porter could give no answer , except that she was usually in bed by that time . `` Ask at the top of the stairs . If the lady wants to receive you , she 'll receive you .