two o’clock
The suggestion produced not the slightest effect ; Amelius talked as if he was a confirmed recluse , in the decline of life . `` Thank you , '' he said , with the most amazing gravity ; `` I prefer the company of my books , and the seclusion of my study . '' This declaration was followed by more selling-out of money in the Funds , and by a visit to a bookseller , which left a handsome pecuniary result inscribed on the right side of the ledger . On the next day , Amelius presented himself towards two o'clock at Mr. Farnaby 's house . He was not so selfishly absorbed in his own projects as to forget Mrs. Farnaby . On the contrary , he was honestly anxious for news of her . A certain middle-aged man of business has been briefly referred to , in these pages , as one of Regina 's faithful admirers , patiently submitting to the triumph of his favoured young rival .