nine o'clock
I 've got a drop of wine somewhere stowed away in a locker . '' `` I suppose , '' Miss Mangles was saying -- `` I suppose , Joseph , that Lady Orlay has been interested in the work without our knowing it ? '' `` It is possible , Jooly -- it is possible , '' replied Mr. Joseph P. Mangles , looking with a small , bright , speculative eye out of the window of his private sitting-room in a hotel in Northumberland Avenue . Miss Mangles was standing behind him , and held in her hand an invitation-card notifying that Lady Orlay would be at home that same evening from nine o'clock till midnight . `` This invitation , '' said the recipient , `` accompanied as it is by a friendly note explaining that the shortness of the invitation lies in the fact that we only arrived the day before yesterday , seems to point to it , Joseph . It seems to indicate that England is prepared to give me a welcome . '' `` On the face of it , Jooly , it would seem -- just that . ''