4
p.m.
Sir Humphrey Fothergill was the Parliamentary head of the office at this time . `` Sir Humphrey here ! What an extraordinary thing ! '' The proper time for the appearance of this great functionary was at 4 p.m. , on his way to the House and Mr. Faulks felt quite annoyed at the departure from the ordinary rule . `` Sir ` Umphry ` ave took us all aback , sir . His own messenger , Mr. Sprott , was not in the way for the moment , and Sir ` Umphry expressed himself in rather strong terms . '' `` Serve Sprott right .