Seven o'clock
The sound of hammering continued and became louder . A sort of deadness and strange weariness seemed to brood in the air , as if the great monster were in a sinister and heavy mood , full of an almost malign lethargy . The orchestral players ceased from tuning their instruments , and talked together in their sunken habitation . Seven o'clock struck in the clocks of New York . Just as the chimes died away , Mrs. Shiffney drew up at the stage-door in a smart white motor-car . She was accompanied by a very tall and big man , with a robust air of self-confidence , and a face that was clean-shaven and definitely American . `` I do n't suppose they 've begun yet , '' she said , as she got out and walked slowly across the pavement , warmly wrapped up in a marvellous black sable coat .