five o'clock in the morning
Lord Cadurcis , however , who was quick as lightning , read all that was necessary in Venetia 's look . Instead of instantly retiring , he remained some little time longer , talked to the Countess , who was perfectly enchanted with him , even sauntered up to the singers , and complimented them , and did not make his bow until he had convinced at least the mistress of the mansion , if not her sister-in-law , that it was not Venetia Herbert who was his principal attraction in this agreeable society . The moment he had quitted Venetia , Lord Cadurcis returned home . He could not endure the usual routine of gaiety after her society ; and his coachman , often waiting until five o'clock in the morning at Monteagle House , could scarcely assure himself of his good fortune in this exception to his accustomed trial of patience . The vis-à-vis stopped , and Lord Cadurcis bounded out with a light step and a lighter heart . His table was covered with letters . The first one that caught his eye was a missive from Lady Monteagle .