three o'clock
I think this was a very pretty speech , for a youth of twenty ; and I confess I look back upon it , even now , with complacency . If I occasionally betray weakness of this character , I beg the reader to recollect that I am acting in the part of an honest historian , and that it is my aim to conceal nothing that ought to be known . Herman Mordaunt did not resume his seat , on account of the lateness of the hour , -LRB- half-past one -RRB- ; but he made me professions of friendship , and named Friday , the first moment when he could command the services of his domestics , when I should dine with him . The army had introduced later hours than was usual ; and this invitation was given for three o'clock ; it being said , at the time , as I well remember , that persons of fashion in London sat down to table even later than this . After remaining with me five minutes , Herman Mordaunt took his leave . Of course , I accompanied him to the door , where we parted with many bows . At dinner , I told my uncle and aunt all that had occurred , and was glad to hear them both speak so favourably of my new acquaintances .