Ten o'clock
John Tullis was always to remember the moment when he looked upon this exquisite creature for the first time . That was months ago . After that he never ceased being a secret , silent worshipper at her transient shrine . Ten o'clock on this rainy night : A carriage has drawn up before the lower gates to the Perse grounds , and a tall , shadowy figure leaves it to hurry through the shrub lined walks to the massive doors . A watchman in the garden salutes him . The tall figure dips his umbrella in response , characteristically laconic . A footman lifts his hand to his forelock at the top of the steps and throws open the doors without question .