Six o'clock
Will you take anything before dinner ? ' ` What time do you dine ? ' asked Mr. Sponge , rubbing his hands as he spoke . ` Six o'clock , ' replied Mr. Jawleyford , ` six o'clock -- say six o'clock -- not particular to a moment -- days are short , you see -- days are short . ' ` I think I should like a glass of sherry and a biscuit , then , ' observed Mr. Sponge . And forthwith the bell was rung , and in due course of time Mr. Spigot arrived with a tray , followed by the Miss Jawleyfords , who had rather expected Mr. Sponge to be shown into the drawing-room to them , where they had composed themselves very prettily ; one working a parrot in chenille , the other with a lapful of crochet . The Miss Jawleyfords -- Amelia and Emily -- were lively girls ; hardly beauties -- at least , not sufficiently so to attract attention in a crowd ; but still , girls well calculated to ` bring a man to book , ' in the country .