nearly five o'clock
He was not called upon to offer to surrender himself . The man 's coming had been a misfortune ; but let him go , and in process of time he would be forgotten . It was thus that Mr Whittlestaff resolved as he walked across the country , while he left the two lovers to themselves in his own parlour . It was now nearly five o'clock , and Mr Whittlestaff , as Gordon was told , dined at six . He felt that he would not find the man before dinner unless he remained at the house , -- and for doing so he had no excuse . He must return in the evening , or sleep at the inn and come back the next morning . He must manage to catch the man alone , because he was assuredly minded to use upon him all the power of eloquence which he had at his command .