10 p.m.
G.J. 's sense of duty to himself had been quickened by the defection of his valet . He felt that he had been failing to comprehend in detail the cause and the evolution of the war , and that even his general ideas as to it were inexcusably vague ; and he had determined to go every morning to the club , at whatever inconvenience , for the especial purpose of studying and getting the true hang of the supreme topic . As he sat down he was aware of the solemnity of the great room , last fastness of the old strict decorum in the club . You might not smoke in it until after 10 p.m. Two other members came in immediately , one after the other . The first , a little , very old and very natty man , began to read _ The Times _ at a stand . The second , old too , but of larger and firmer build , with a long , clean-shaven upper lip , such as is only developed at the Bar , on the Bench , and in provincial circles of Noncomformity , took an easy-chair and another copy of _ The Times _ . A few moments elapsed , and then the little old man glanced round , and , assuming surprise that he had not noticed G.J. earlier , nodded to him with a very bright and benevolent smile .