eight o'clock
And he had never yet been in a position where any one could snub him without instant reprisals . In such circumstances he did not know exactly what he would do . However , that bridge could be crossed or refused when he came to it . Such members of the Brashear household as chose to accommodate themselves strictly to the hour could have eight o'clock breakfast in the basement dining-room for the modest consideration of thirty cents ; thirty-five with special cream-jug . At these gatherings , usually attended by half a dozen of the lodgers , matters of local interest were weightily discussed ; such as the progress of the subway excavations , the establishment of a new Italian restaurant in 11th Street , or the calling away of the fourth-floor-rear by the death of an uncle who would perhaps leave him money . To this sedate assemblage descended one crisp December morning young Wickert , clad in the natty outline of a new Bernholz suit , and obviously swollen with tidings . `` Whaddya know about the latest ? ''