a quarter past six
He had both his great red hands in his tight trouser pockets , and drew the right one out to favour his friends with it ` all hot . ' ` I 'm late , I guess , ' said he , grinning round at the assembled guests , now dispersed in the various attitudes of expectant eaters , some standing ready for a start , some half-sitting on tables and sofa ends , others resigning themselves complacently to their chairs , abusing Mr. Pacey and all dinner delayers . ` I 'm late , I guess , ' repeated he , as he now got navigated up to his host and held out his hand . ` Oh , never mind , ' replied Puffington , accepting as little of the proffered paw as he could ; ` never mind , ' repeated he , adding , as he looked at the French clock on the mantelpiece now chiming a quarter past six , ` I dare say I told you we dined at half-past five . ' ` Dare say you did , old boy , ' replied Pacey , kicking out his legs , and giving Puffington what he meant for a friendly poke in the stomach , but which in reality nearly knocked his wind out ; ` dare say you did , old boy , but so you did last time , if you remember , and deuce a bite did I get before six ; so I thought I 'd be quits with you this -- _ he -- he -- he -- haw -- haw -- haw _ , ' grinning and staring about as if he had done something very clever . -LSB- Illustration : MR. PACEY -RSB- Pacey was one of those deplorable beings -- a country swell . Tomkins and Hopkins , the haberdashers of Swillingford , never exhibited an ugly out-of-the-way neckcloth or waistcoat with the words ` patronized by the Prince , ' ` very fashionable , ' or ` quite the go , ' upon them , but he immediately adorned himself in one .