eight o’clock
inquired the footman , as he alighted at Mrs. Jefferson 's . `` Early . Half-past nine . '' A little before eight o'clock , Richard Hare , in his smock-frock and his slouching hat and his false whiskers , rang dubiously at the outer door of Mr. Carlyle 's office . That gentleman instantly opened it . He was quite alone . `` Come in , Richard , '' said he , grasping his hand .