eight o'clock in the evening
Early the next day a report was current that Mr. Alf had been returned . The numbers had not as yet been counted , or the books made up ; -- but that was the opinion expressed . All the morning newspapers , including the `` Breakfast Table , '' repeated this report , -- but each gave it as the general opinion on the matter . The truth would not be known till seven or eight o'clock in the evening . The Conservative papers did not scruple to say that the presumed election of Mr. Alf was owing to a sudden declension in the confidence originally felt in Mr. Melmotte . The `` Breakfast Table , '' which had supported Mr. Melmotte 's candidature , gave no reason , and expressed more doubt on the result than the other papers . `` We know not how such an opinion forms itself , '' the writer said ; -- `` but it seems to have been formed .