nine o'clock
Even now , with the key of the mystery in his hands , he could see no likeness between them . Yet no doubt remained in his mind that a dual life would explain and expose Sister Claire . That night he sat on the seat of a cab in proper costume , at the southwest corner of Park Square . The convent , diagonally opposite , was dark and silent at nine o'clock ; and far in the rear , facing the side street , stood the home of the indigent , whose door would open for the exit of a clever actress at ten o'clock , or , well closed , reproach him for his stupidity . The great front of the convent , dominating the Square , would have been a fine stage for the scene contemplated by Sister Claire , and he laughed at the spectacle of the escaped one leaping from a window into her lover 's arms , or sliding down a rope amid the cheers of the mob and the shrieks of the disgraced poor souls within . Then he gritted his teeth at the thought of Louis , and Mary his mother , and Mona his sister . His breath came short .