eight o’clock
` She does , indeed , ' replied the manager , in a state of ecstasy which it is impossible to describe . The deck was scrubbed , and the seats were scrubbed , and there was a bench for the band , and a place for dancing , and a pile of camp-stools , and an awning ; and then Mr. Percy Noakes bustled down below , and there were the pastrycook 's men , and the steward 's wife , laying out the dinner on two tables the whole length of the cabin ; and then Mr. Percy Noakes took off his coat and rushed backwards and forwards , doing nothing , but quite convinced he was assisting everybody ; and the steward 's wife laughed till she cried , and Mr. Percy Noakes panted with the violence of his exertions . And then the bell at London-bridge wharf rang ; and a Margate boat was just starting ; and a Gravesend boat was just starting , and people shouted , and porters ran down the steps with luggage that would crush any men but porters ; and sloping boards , with bits of wood nailed on them , were placed between the outside boat and the inside boat ; and the passengers ran along them , and looked like so many fowls coming out of an area ; and then , the bell ceased , and the boards were taken away , and the boats started , and the whole scene was one of the most delightful bustle and confusion . The time wore on ; half-past eight o'clock arrived ; the pastry-cook 's men went ashore ; the dinner was completely laid out ; and Mr. Percy Noakes locked the principal cabin , and put the key in his pocket , in order that it might be suddenly disclosed , in all its magnificence , to the eyes of the astonished company . The band came on board , and so did the wine . Ten minutes to nine , and the committee embarked in a body . There was Mr. Hardy , in a blue jacket and waistcoat , white trousers , silk stockings , and pumps -- in full aquatic costume , with a straw hat on his head , and an immense telescope under his arm ; and there was the young gentleman with the green spectacles , in nankeen inexplicables , with a ditto waistcoat and bright buttons , like the pictures of Paul -- not the saint , but he of Virginia notoriety .