three in the afternoon
He cherished an extraordinary belief in the virtues of `` shorts '' as a disguise , and had in his own mind sketched a dress for himself that would have made him something between a dean and a dentist . It was with considerable difficulty that I won him over to the assumption of a dress more like a prosperous farmer 's ; and we arranged that he should cut his hair close , and wear a little powder . Lastly , as he had not yet been seen by the laundress or her niece , he was to keep himself out of their view until his change of dress was made . It would seem a simple matter to decide on these precautions ; but in my dazed , not to say distracted , state , it took so long , that I did not get out to further them until two or three in the afternoon . He was to remain shut up in the chambers while I was gone , and was on no account to open the door . There being to my knowledge a respectable lodging-house in Essex Street , the back of which looked into the Temple , and was almost within hail of my windows , I first of all repaired to that house , and was so fortunate as to secure the second floor for my uncle , Mr. Provis . I then went from shop to shop , making such purchases as were necessary to the change in his appearance .