a quarter to three
Independently of the attractions offered by hunting , which were both strong and cogent , we have said there were two young ladies , to whom fame attached the enormous fortunes common in cases where there is a large property and no sons . Still Sponge was a wary bird , and his experience of the worthlessness of most general invitations made him think it just possible that it might not suit Mr. Jawleyford to receive him now , at the particular time he wanted to go ; so after duly considering the case , and also the impressive nature of the invitation , so recently given , too , he determined not to give Jawleyford the chance of refusing him , but just to say he was coming , and drop down upon him before he could say ` no . ' Accordingly , he penned the following epistle : ` BANTAM HOTEL , BOND-STREET , LONDON . ` DEAR JAWLEYFORD , ` I purpose being with you to-morrow , by the express train , which I see , by Bradshaw , arrives at Lucksford a quarter to three . I shall only bring two hunters and a hack , so perhaps you could oblige me by taking them in for the short time I shall stay , as it would not be convenient for me to separate them . Hoping to find Mrs. Jawleyford and the young ladies well , I remain , dear sir , ' ` Yours very truly , ` H. SPONGE . ` To -- JAWLEYFORD , Esq. , Jawleyford Court , Lucksford . '