eight o'clock
`` Very well , very well , '' Mangan had just time to say , for here was the doctor . Dr. Whitsen examined his patient with the customary professional calm and reticence ; asked a few questions , which Lionel answered with such husky voice as was left him ; and then he said , `` Yes , you have caught a severe chill , and your system is feverish generally ; the throat is distinctly congested -- '' `` But to-night , doctor -- the theatre -- to-night ! '' Lionel broke in , excitedly . `` Surely by eight o'clock -- '' `` Oh , quite impossible ; not to be thought of , '' the doctor responded , with decision . `` Why ca n't you do something to tide me over , for the one night ? '' the young man said , with appealing and almost pathetic eyes . `` I 've never disappointed the public once before , never once ; and if I could only get over to-night , there 's the long rest to-morrow and Monday . ''