nearly nine
o'clock in the evening
Mr. Mew named a physician high in reputation as a specialist in such cases as John Saltram 's ; and Gilbert dashed off at once in a hansom to obtain the promise of an early visit from this gentleman on the following morning . He succeeded in his errand ; and on returning to the Temple found the professional nurse installed , and the sick-room brightened and freshened a little by her handiwork . The patient was asleep , and his slumber was more quiet than usual . Gilbert had eaten nothing since breakfast , and it was now nearly nine o'clock in the evening ; but before going out to some neighbouring tavern to snatch a hasty dinner , he stopped to tell Mrs. Pratt that he should sleep in his friend 's chamber that night . `` Why , you do n't mean that , sir , sure to goodness , '' cried the laundress , alarmed ; `` and not so much as a sofy bedstead , nor nothing anyways comfortable . '' `` I could sleep upon three or four chairs , if it were necessary ; but there is an old sofa in the bedroom . You might bring that into this room for me ; and the nurse can have it in the day-time .