a quarter to eight
Drunken men , they say , may roll down precipices , and be quite unconscious of any serious personal inconvenience when their reason returns . The remark may possibly apply to injuries received in other kinds of violent excitement : certain it is , that although Nicholas experienced some pain on first awakening next morning , he sprung out of bed as the clock struck seven , with very little difficulty , and was soon as much on the alert as if nothing had occurred . Merely looking into Smike 's room , and telling him that Newman Noggs would call for him very shortly , Nicholas descended into the street , and calling a hackney coach , bade the man drive to Mrs. Wititterly 's , according to the direction which Newman had given him on the previous night . It wanted a quarter to eight when they reached Cadogan Place . Nicholas began to fear that no one might be stirring at that early hour , when he was relieved by the sight of a female servant , employed in cleaning the door-steps . By this functionary he was referred to the doubtful page , who appeared with dishevelled hair and a very warm and glossy face , as of a page who had just got out of bed . By this young gentleman he was informed that Miss Nickleby was then taking her morning 's walk in the gardens before the house .