three o'clock in the afternoon
It occurred to him at once that this was Aileen 's opportunity , and that he could now notify her to come . If she veiled herself sufficiently she would probably be safe enough . He decided to write her , and when Wingate came he gave him a letter to mail . Two days later , at three o'clock in the afternoon -- the time appointed by him -- Aileen came to see him . She was dressed in gray broadcloth with white-velvet trimmings and cut-steel buttons which glistened like silver , and wore , as additional ornaments , as well as a protection against the cold , a cap , stole , and muff of snow-white ermine . Over this rather striking costume she had slipped a long dark circular cloak , which she meant to lay off immediately upon her arrival . She had made a very careful toilet as to her shoes , gloves , hair , and the gold ornaments which she wore .