about eight o’clock
in the evening
` There is doubtless something astir , ' said the waiter , who , in the intervals of a casual attendance on Sir John , spoke of these things , cigarette in mouth . ` There is doubtless something astir , since General Vincente is on the road . They call him the Stormy Petrel , for when he appears abroad there usually follows a disturbance . ' Sir John sent his servant to the General 's apartment about eight o'clock in the evening asking permission to present himself . In reply , the General himself came to Sir John 's room . ` My dear sir , ' he cried , taking both the Englishman 's hands in an affectionate grasp , ` to think that you were in the hotel and that we did not dine together . Come , yes , come to our poor apartment , where Estella awaits the pleasure of renewing your acquaintance . '