seven o'clock
Though he did not even suspect himself of an intention to be false , the idea that was in his mind made the effort too much for him . He put the paper away from him and went down and eat his dinner . It was a Saturday , and there was no House in the evening . He had remained in Portman Square with Lady Laura till near seven o'clock , and was engaged to go out in the evening to a gathering at Mrs. Gresham 's house . Everybody in London would be there , and Phineas was resolved that as long as he remained in London he would be seen at places where everybody was seen . He would certainly be at Mrs. Gresham 's gathering ; but there was an hour or two before he need go home to dress , and as he had nothing to do , he went down to the smoking-room of his club . The seats were crowded , but there was one vacant ; and before he had looked about him to scrutinise his neighbourhood , he found that he had placed himself with Bonteen on his right hand and Ratler on his left .