five o’clock
`` He had gone out for a long walk , and Mr. Armadale was not to be alarmed if he did not get back till late in the day . '' The other message had been left by `` a person from Mr. Pedgift 's office , '' who had called , according to appointment , while the two gentlemen were away at the major 's . `` Mr. Bashwood 's respects , and he would have the honor of waiting on Mr. Armadale again in the course of the evening . '' Toward five o'clock , Midwinter returned , pale and silent . Allan hastened to assure him that his peace was made at the cottage ; and then , to change the subject , mentioned Mr. Bashwood 's message . Midwinter 's mind was so preoccupied or so languid that he hardly seemed to remember the name . Allan was obliged to remind him that Bashwood was the elderly clerk , whom Mr. Pedgift had sent to be his instructor in the duties of the steward 's office .