nine o'clock
The publican in holiday clothes was stepping up to the driver 's seat , and a young soldier , smoking a cigarette , was taking the place by his side . `` Morning , Father , can you tip us the winner ? '' said the publican with a grin , while the soldier , with an impudent smile , cried `` Ta-ta '' over his shoulder to the second story of a tenement house , where a young woman with a bloated and serious face and a head mopped up in curl-papers was looking down from an open window . It was nine o'clock when John Storm reached the Prime Minister 's house . A small crowd of people had followed him to the door . `` His lordship is waiting for you in the garden , sir , '' said the footman , and John was conducted to the back . In a shady little inclosure between Downing Street and the Horse Guards Parade the Prime Minister was pacing to and fro .