two o’clock
I found Mr. Pike exactly the man I had anticipated from Trevanion 's character , -- short , quick , intelligent , in question and answer ; imposing and somewhat domineering in manner ; not overcrowded with business , but with enough for experience and respectability ; neither young nor old ; neither a pedantic machine of parchment , nor a jaunty off-hand coxcomb of West End manners . `` It is an ugly affair , '' said he , `` but one that requires management . Leave it all in my hands for three days . Do n't go near Mr. Tibbets nor Mr. Peck ; and on Saturday next , at two o'clock , if you will call here , you shall know my opinion of the whole matter . '' With that Mr. Pike glanced at the clock , and I took up my hat and went . There is no place more delightful than a great capital if you are comfortably settled in it , have arranged the methodical disposal of your time , and know how to take business and pleasure in due proportions . But a flying visit to a great capital in an unsettled , unsatisfactory way ; at an inn -- an inn in the City too -- with a great , worrying load of business on your mind , of which you are to hear no more for three days , and an aching , jealous , miserable sorrow at the heart such as I had , leaving you no labor to pursue and no pleasure that you have the heart to share in , -- oh , a great capital then is indeed forlorn , wearisome , and oppressive !