nearly eight o'clock
`` No , it will not be necessary now ; I did n't think this morning that such a piece of good luck was in store for , me . '' After supper Paul brushed his clothes carefully and prepared to go to the address given him by Mr. Preston . He decided to walk one way , not wishing to incur the expenses of two railroad fares . The distance was considerable , and it was nearly eight o'clock when he arrived at his destination . Paul found himself standing before a handsome house of brown stone . He ascended the steps , and inquired , on the door being opened , if Mr. Preston was at home . `` I 'll see , '' said the servant .