eleven o’clock
` Let us celebrate this happy meeting with a convivial glass , ' said he . This proposition , like the other , was received with unanimous applause . Having himself deposited the important stone in a small deal box , purchased from the landlady for the purpose , he placed himself in an arm-chair , at the head of the table ; and the evening was devoted to festivity and conversation . It was past eleven o'clock -- a late hour for the little village of Cobham -- when Mr. Pickwick retired to the bedroom which had been prepared for his reception . He threw open the lattice window , and setting his light upon the table , fell into a train of meditation on the hurried events of the two preceding days . The hour and the place were both favourable to contemplation ; Mr. Pickwick was roused by the church clock striking twelve . The first stroke of the hour sounded solemnly in his ear , but when the bell ceased the stillness seemed insupportable -- he almost felt as if he had lost a companion .