four o'clock in the afternoon
`` So far , '' replied he , `` that I myself have received advances from her which I would not take advantage of out of regard to you : but hang it , think no more about her . I dined at Franklin 's to-day , and Julia bid me seek and bring you to tea : so come along , my lad , make good use of opportunity , and seize the gifts of fortune while they are within your reach . '' Montraville was too much agitated to pass a happy evening even in the company of Julia Franklin : he determined to visit Charlotte early the next morning , tax her with her falsehood , and take an everlasting leave of her ; but when the morning came , he was commanded on duty , and for six weeks was prevented from putting his design in execution . At length he found an hour to spare , and walked out to spend it with Charlotte : it was near four o'clock in the afternoon when he arrived at her cottage ; she was not in the parlour , and without calling the servant he walked up stairs , thinking to find her in her bed room . He opened the door , and the first object that met his eyes was Charlotte asleep on the bed , and Belcour by her side . `` Death and distraction , '' said he , stamping , `` this is too much . Rise , villain , and defend yourself . ''