eight o’clock in the evening
The recollection of the E O table , of Mrs. Luttridge , of Mr. Percival as his guardian , and of all the advice he had heard from him as his friend , rushed upon his mind at this instant ; conscious and ashamed , he shrunk back , precipitately returned to his own room , and threw himself into a chair , breathless with agitation . He listened , expecting to hear Mr. Percival coming up stairs , and endeavoured to compose himself , that he might not betray , by his own agitation , all that he wished most anxiously to conceal . After waiting for some time , he rang the bell , to make inquiries . The waiter told him that a Mr. Percival had asked for him ; but , having been told by his black that he was just gone out , the gentleman being , as he said , much hurried , had left a note ; for an answer to which he would call at eight o'clock in the evening . Vincent was glad of this short reprieve . `` Alas ! '' thought he , `` how changed am I , when I fear to meet my best friend !