evening about eight o'clock
Drouet had what was a help in his business , a moderate sense of humour , and could tell a good story when the occasion required . He could talk races with Hurstwood , tell interesting incidents concerning himself and his experiences with women , and report the state of trade in the cities which he visited , and so managed to make himself almost invariably agreeable . To-night he was particularly so , since his report to the company had been favourably commented upon , his new samples had been satisfactorily selected , and his trip marked out for the next six weeks . `` Why , hello , Charlie , old man , '' said Hurstwood , as Drouet came in that evening about eight o'clock . `` How goes it ? '' The room was crowded . Drouet shook hands , beaming good nature , and they strolled towards the bar .