six
o'clock
I at first took him to be extremely reticent ; but later I learned , that , when the proper chord of sympathy was touched , he responded in perfect torrents of spoken confidence . So I that evening sat in the larger of my rooms -- my `` sitting-room '' -- in momentary expectation of the arrival of one or both of my invited guests . The THIRD Chapter The hour was about eight . I had written a letter or two after our six o'clock supper , and was now idle . By my side , in the centre of the room , stood a table on which lay several periodicals -- monthly and weekly , English and American -- a newspaper or two , and a few books . A rap came at my door , and on opening it I found Doctor Bainbridge standing in the hallway . He wore a black `` Prince Albert '' coat , a high silk hat , and , the evening having blown-up chilly , a summer overcoat .