seven in the evening
I hesitated for a second or two , expecting that he would join me ; but not a bit of it He smiled his little quiet smile , as much as to say , ` Good-night , ' and so I left him . '' `` He is probably detained to give some particulars of the engagement , '' said D'Esmonde . `` How can he ? -- he was never in it ; he was writing letters all day at headquarters , and never came up till seven in the evening , when he rode down with a smart groom after him , and gave the Duke of Savoy a sandwich out of a silver case . That will be the only memorable fact he can retail of the day 's fortune . '' `` The cause looks well , however , '' said D'Esmonde , endeavoring to divert his thoughts into a more agreeable direction . `` Tell me what is the cause , and I will answer you , '' said Norwood , sternly .