six o’clock in winter
Nothing less than _ his _ tact could have saved him on this occasion , and at last he carried the day ; while by an act of the board the 14th Light Dragoons were pronounced the most insolent corps in the service . An adventure of his , however , got wind about this time , and served to enlighten many persons as to his real character , who had hitherto been most lenient in their expressions about him . Our worthy tutor , with a zeal for our welfare far more praiseworthy than successful , was in the habit of summoning to his chambers , on certain mornings of the week , his various pupils , whom he lectured in the books for the approaching examinations . Now , as these séances were held at six o'clock in winter as well as summer , in a cold fireless chamber , -- the lecturer lying snug amidst his blankets , while we stood shivering around the walls , -- the ardor of learning must indeed have proved strong that prompted a regular attendance . As to Frank , he would have as soon thought of attending chapel as of presenting himself on such an occasion . Not so with me . I had not yet grown hackneyed enough to fly in the face of authority , and I frequently left the whist-table , or broke off in a song , to hurry over to the doctor 's chambers and spout Homer and Hesiod .