five
o'clock in the afternoon
There must be no more tattling and scandal about that house . I must stop it , and speak to Smirke . I 'll ask him to dinner this very day . '' Having a sermon to compose , the doctor sat down to that work , and was so engaged in the composition , that he had not concluded it until near five o'clock in the afternoon : when he stepped over to Mr. Smirke 's lodgings , to put his hospitable intentions , regarding that gentleman , into effect . He reached Madame Fribsby 's door , just as the curate issued from it . Mr. Smirke was magnificently dressed , and as he turned out his toes he showed a pair of elegant open-worked silk stockings and glossy pumps . His white cravat was arranged in a splendid stiff tie , and his gold shirt studs shone on his spotless linen .