Three o'clock
Now , under ordinary circumstances , Mr. Rittenhouse Smith would have obeyed his wife 's orders cheerfully and promptly ; but on this particular day there was a flurry in the stock-market -LRB- Mr. Smith was a stock-broker -RRB- , and every minute that he was away from his office exposed him to serious business danger . At what he considered to be the safest moments , he made no less than five sallies after as many different men ; and three of these had engagements for the evening , and two of them were out of town . What with the condition of the stock-market and the gloomy outlook for the dinner-party , Mr. Smith , albeit he was ordinarily a calm , sedate man , was almost distraught . Three o'clock brought a prospect of relief , but after a day of such active dealing his books could not be settled hurriedly . In point of fact , when at last he was able to leave his Third Street office the State House clock was striking five ; and the dinner , in accordance with Philadelphia custom , was to be at seven ! He knew that his wife had discharged into his hands the matter of procuring the needed man ; and he knew that this line of action on her part had been both right and wise ; but he groaned in spirit , as he thought how dreadful a responsibility was his ! Mr. Smith was a methodical man , and in the calmness partly bred of his naturally orderly habits , and partly bred of his despair , he seated himself at his desk , in company with a comforting cigar , to think of any possible men whom he might beat up at their homes as he went westward .