about nine o'clock in the morning
`` Is it anything special ? '' he asked . The man thought that it was something special , as Croll had declared his purpose of waiting when told that Mr. Melmotte was not as yet dressed . This happened at about nine o'clock in the morning . Melmotte longed to know every detail of Croll 's manner , -- to know even the servant 's opinion of the clerk 's manner , -- but he did not dare to ask a question . Melmotte thought that it might be well to be gracious . `` Ask him if he has breakfasted , and if not give him something in the study . ''