seven o'clock
It would indicate to what extent , if at all , ` this football ' was ruining Bursley . Constance mentioned to Cyril that she fancied she might like to go to the sale , and as it was dated for one of Cyril 's off-nights Cyril said that he fancied he might like to go too . So they went together ; Samuel used to attend property sales , but he had never taken his wife to one . Constance and Cyril arrived at the Tiger shortly after seven o'clock , and were directed to a room furnished and arranged as for a small public meeting of philanthropists . A few gentlemen were already present , but not the instigating trustees , solicitors , and auctioneers . It appeared that ` six-thirty for seven o'clock precisely ' meant seven-fifteen . Constance took a Windsor chair in the corner nearest the door , and motioned Cyril to the next chair ; they dared not speak ; they moved on tiptoe ; Cyril inadvertently dragged his chair along the floor , and produced a scrunching sound ; he blushed , as though he had desecrated a church , and his mother made a gesture of horror .