Dinner had been ordered at the Beargarden at seven,--an hour earlier than would have been named had it not been that Lord Gerald must be at the Eastern Counties Railway Station at nine P.M.An hour and a half for dinner and a cigar afterwards, and half an hour to get to the railway station would not be more than time enough.
But of all men alive Dolly Longstaff was the most unpunctual.

He did not arrive till eight.

The others were not there before half-past seven, and it was nearly eight before any of them sat down.

At half-past eight Silverbridge began to be very anxious about his brother, and told him that he ought to start without further delay.

A hansom cab was waiting at the door, but Lord Gerald still delayed.