six
o'clock
Then Sunday had intervened . On the Monday Melmotte 's name had continued to go down in the betting from morning to evening . Early in the day his supporters had thought little of this , attributing the fall to that vacillation which is customary in such matters ; but towards the latter part of the afternoon the tidings from the City had been in everybody 's mouth , and Melmotte 's committee-room had been almost deserted . At six o'clock there were some who suggested that his name should be withdrawn . No such suggestion , however , was made to him , -- perhaps because no one dared to make it . On the Monday evening all work and strategy for the election , as regarded Melmotte and his party , died away ; and the interest of the hour was turned to the dinner . But Mr. Alf 's supporters were very busy .