one o’clock
There 's Bassett , sure , by only reducing his interest from ten to five per cent , will give you a clear eight hundred per annum ; let him refuse , and I 'll advance the money . And , besides , look at Freney 's farm ; there 's two hundred acres let for one third of the value , and you must look to these tilings ; for , you see , Captain , we 'll want you to go into Parliament ; you ca n't help coming forward at the next election , and by the great gun of Athlone , we 'll return you . '' Here Mr. Blake swallowed a full bumper of sherry , and getting up a little false enthusiasm for the moment , grasped me by both hands and shook me violently ; this done , like a skilful general , who , having fired the last shot of his artillery , takes care to secure his retreat , he retired towards the door , where his hat and coat were lying . `` I 've a hundred apologies to make for encroaching upon your time ; but , upon my soul , Captain , you are so agreeable , and the hours have passed away so pleasantly -- May I never , if it is not one o'clock ! -- but you must forgive me . '' My sense of justice , which showed me that the agreeability had all been on Mr. Blake 's side , prevented me from acknowledging this compliment as it deserved ; so I merely bowed stiffly , without speaking . By this time he had succeeded in putting on his great-coat , but still , by some mischance or other , the moment of his leaving-taking was deferred ; one time he buttoned it awry , and had to undo it all again ; then , when it was properly adjusted , he discovered that his pocket-handkerchief was not available , being left in the inner coat-pocket ; to this succeeded a doubt as to the safety of the check , which instituted another search , and it was full ten minutes before he was completely caparisoned and ready for the road .