about two
o'clock in the afternoon
As soon as old Quirk had obtained an inkling of Titmouse 's taste in these matters , he afforded him many opportunities of gratifying it . Once or twice the old gentleman succeeded in obtaining for him , even the gratification of shaking the cold and pinioned hands of wretches within a few minutes ' time of their being led out for execution ! This is a brief and general account of the way in which Titmouse passed his time , and laid the groundwork of that solid , extensive , and practical acquaintance with men and things , which was requisite to enable him to occupy with dignity and advantage the splendid station to which he was on the point of being elevated . But let us not lose sight of our early and interesting friends , the Tag-rags -- a thing which both Quirk and Gammon resolved should not happen to Titmouse : for , on the very first Sunday after his arrival in town from York , a handsome glass-coach might have been seen , about two o'clock in the afternoon , drawing up opposite to the gates of Satin Lodge ; from which said coach , the door having been opened , presently descended Messrs. Quirk , Gammon , and Titmouse . Now , the Tag-rags always dined at about two o'clock on Sundays ; and , on the present occasion , Mr. , Mrs. , and Miss Tag-rag , together with a pretty constant visitor , the Reverend Dismal Horror , were sitting at their dinner-table discussing as savory a leg of roast pork , with apple-sauce , as could at once have tempted and satisfied the most fastidious and the most indiscriminating appetite . `` Oh , ma ! '' exclaimed Miss Tag-rag , faintly , changing color , as she caught sight , through the blinds , of the approaching visitors -- `` if there is n't Mr. Titmouse ! ''