one
o'clock
`` How long ? '' murmured Clarence Chugwater , as he worked at the tape-machine . `` How long ? '' It was Clarence 's custom to leave the office of his newspaper at one o'clock each day , and lunch at a neighbouring Aerated Bread shop . He did this on the day following the first appearance of the two generals at their respective halls . He had brought an early edition of the paper with him , and in the intervals of dealing with his glass of milk and scone and butter , he read the report of the performances . Both , it seemed , had met with flattering receptions , though they had appeared nervous .