noon precisely
In the course of thirty minutes or so Kirkwood emerged with dignity from the consulate , his face crimson to the hair , his soul smarting with shame and humiliation ; and left an amused official representative of his country 's government with the impression of having been entertained to the point of ennui by an exceptionally clumsy but pertinacious liar . For the better part of the succeeding hour Kirkwood circumnavigated the neighborhood of the steamer pier and the Terminus Hôtel , striving to render himself as inconspicuous as he felt insignificant , and keenly on the alert for any sign or news of Hobbs . In this pursuit he was pleasantly disappointed . At noon precisely , his suspense grown too onerous for his strength of will , throwing caution and their understanding to the winds , he walked boldly into the Terminus , and inquired for Miss Calendar . The assurance he received that she was in safety under its roof did not deter him from sending up his name and asking her to receive him in the public lounge ; he required the testimony of his senses to convince him that no harm had come to her in the long hour and a half that had elapsed since their separation . Woman-like , she kept him waiting . Alone in the public rooms of the hotel , he suffered excruciating torments .