noon
A reporter for the `` Breakfast Table '' who was on duty at the place , looking for paragraphs as to the conduct of electors , gave an account of the speech in that paper , and made more of it , perhaps , than it deserved . It was asserted afterwards , and given as a great proof of Melmotte 's cleverness , that he had planned the thing and gone to Covent Garden all alone having considered that in that way could he best regain a step in reputation ; but in truth the affair had not been preconcerted . It was while in Whitehall Place that he had first thought of going to Covent Garden , and he had had no idea of making a speech till the people had gathered round him . It was then noon , and he had to determine what he should do next . He was half inclined to go round to all the booths and make speeches . His success at Covent Garden had been very pleasant to him . But he feared that he might not be so successful elsewhere .