eight o'clock
But you , on your part , must do me a trifling favor : we have been very dull since you left , and I purpose to start the gayeties afresh by giving a dinner on the 24th -LRB- Christmas Eve -RRB- , in honor of your return -- an epicurean repast for gentlemen only . Therefore , I ask you to oblige me by fixing your return for that day , and on arrival at Naples , come straight to me at this hotel , that I may have the satisfaction of being the first to welcome you as you deserve . Telegraph your answer and the hour of your train ; and my carriage shall meet you at the station . The dinner-hour can be fixed to suit your convenience of course ; what say you to eight o'clock ? After dinner you can betake yourself to the Villa Romani when you please -- your enjoyment of the lady 's surprise and rapture will be the more keen for having been slightly delayed . Trusting you will not refuse to gratify an old man 's whim , I am , `` Yours for the time being , `` CESARE OLIVA . '' This epistle finished and written in the crabbed disguised penmanship it was part of my business to effect , I folded , sealed and addressed it , and summoning Vincenzo , bade him post it immediately .