a few minutes after three o'clock
I looked anxiously for my leading articles next morning . But , no ; the editorial space was occupied by other -LRB- much less edifying -RRB- contributions upon topics which had not occurred to me . During that morning I began to fancy that the very bell-boys were suspicious , and might be contemplating the desirability of laying a complaint against me for not earning my princely salary . However , at a few minutes after three o'clock , I was escorted by the head messenger -- who had rather the air of a seneschal or chamberlain -- to the editorial apartment , where I found Arncliffe giving audience to his news editor , Mr. Pink , and one of his leader-writers , a very old _ Advocate _ identity , Mr. Samuel Harbottle -- a white-whiskered and rubicund gentleman , who was entitled to use most of the letters of the alphabet after his name should he so choose . I was presented to both these gentlemen , and in a few minutes they took their departure . ` Poor old Harbottle ! ' said Arncliffe , when the door had closed behind the leader-writer .