eight o’clock in the
evening
During the whole of next day , Sam kept Mr. Winkle steadily in sight , fully determined not to take his eyes off him for one instant , until he should receive express instructions from the fountain-head . However disagreeable Sam 's very close watch and great vigilance were to Mr. Winkle , he thought it better to bear with them , than , by any act of violent opposition , to hazard being carried away by force , which Mr. Weller more than once strongly hinted was the line of conduct that a strict sense of duty prompted him to pursue . There is little reason to doubt that Sam would very speedily have quieted his scruples , by bearing Mr. Winkle back to Bath , bound hand and foot , had not Mr. Pickwick 's prompt attention to the note , which Dowler had undertaken to deliver , forestalled any such proceeding . In short , at eight o'clock in the evening , Mr. Pickwick himself walked into the coffee-room of the Bush Tavern , and told Sam with a smile , to his very great relief , that he had done quite right , and it was unnecessary for him to mount guard any longer . ` I thought it better to come myself , ' said Mr. Pickwick , addressing Mr. Winkle , as Sam disencumbered him of his great-coat and travelling-shawl , ` to ascertain , before I gave my consent to Sam 's employment in this matter , that you are quite in earnest and serious , with respect to this young lady . ' ` Serious , from my heart -- from my soul ! ' returned Mr. Winkle , with great energy .