ten o’clock
They made a handsome couple , bowered amid plants which blossomed at the command of a Chelsea wholesale florist . People who passed by remarked privately that from the look of things there was the beginning of a romance in that conversation . Perhaps there was , but a more intimate acquaintance with the character of Nella Racksole would have been necessary in order to predict what precise form that romance would take . Jules himself served the liquids , and at ten o'clock he brought another note . Entreating a thousand pardons , Reginald Dimmock , after he had glanced at the note , excused himself on the plea of urgent business for his Serene master , uncle of the Grand Duke of Posen . He asked if he might fetch Mr Racksole , or escort Miss Racksole to her father . But Miss Racksole said gaily that she felt no need of an escort , and should go to bed .