nine o'clock
He had laid himself out to please John Trevethick and his friend Solomon for the last six months , without success , yet here was a man who had evidently appreciated him at once . If he was but a bagman , or something of that sort , it was only the more creditable to his own powers of pleasing ; and his vanity -- and Richard was as vain of his social attractions as a girl -- was flattered accordingly . In his solitude and wretchedness , too , the society of this stranger had been very welcome . `` I am sorry , '' said Richard , when they had passed some hours together , and it was getting near nine o'clock , `` that I am obliged to leave Plymouth so soon . It would have given me great pleasure if you could have come and dined with me ; though , indeed , I fear I have already detained you from your family . It was the act of a good Samaritan to keep me company so long , and I thank you heartily . '' `` Do n't mention it , Sir -- do n't mention it , '' said the little man , quite huskily .