seven o'clock
But it was a continuous energy supported by perseverance , and not by impulse ; and seemed to come of a fixed determination to continue the reading of that paper till all the world should be asleep . A great part of the world around was asleep ; but the judge 's eye was still open , and one might say that the barrister was resolved to go on till that eye should have become closed in token of his success . Herbert remained there for an hour , thinking that he might learn something that would be serviceable to him in his coming legal career ; but at the end of the hour the same thing was going on , -- the judge 's eye was still open , and the lawyer 's drone was still sounding ; and so he came away , having found himself absolutely dozing in the uncomfortable position in which he was standing . At last the day wore away , and at seven o'clock he found himself in Mr. Prendergast 's hall in Bloomsbury Square ; and his hat and umbrella were taken away from him by an old servant looking very much like Mr. Prendergast himself ; -- having about him the same look of the stiffness of years , and the same look also of excellent preservation and care . `` Mr. Prendergast is in the library , sir , if you please , '' said the old servant ; and so saying he ushered Herbert into the back down-stairs room . It was a spacious , lofty apartment , well fitted up for a library , and furnished for that purpose with exceeding care ; -- such a room as one does not find in the flashy new houses in the west , where the dining-room and drawing-room occupy all of the house that is visible . But then , how few of those who live in flashy new houses in the west require to have libraries in London !