7:15
Next moment , like inexorable fate , the mouth closed , and nothing short of the demolition of the British Constitution could have induced that mouth to convey another letter to the eight o'clock mails . Hope , however , was not utterly removed . Those who chose to place an additional penny stamp on their letters could , by posting them in a separate box , have them taken in for that mail up to seven . Twopence secured their acceptance up to 7:15 . Threepence up to 7:30 , and sixpence up to 7:45 , but all letters posted after six without the late fees were detained for the following mail . `` Sharp practice ! '' observed George Aspel to the red-coated official , who , after shutting the mouth , placed a ticket above it which told all corners that they were too late .