eight
o'clock
He tried to inveigle her into saying that she wanted something , that he might get it for her ; but his sly ways were detected . At the theatre a French Vaudeville was acted , which John thought his mother was greatly tired of and would have left , but Helga 's interest at being in a foreign theatre , and seeing so many strange faces , was so apparent that Mrs. Hardy would not leave . The night when they came out of the theatre was beautiful , and John , at his mother 's wish , steered the yacht 's gig a little out of the harbour before they joined the yacht . The next day was Helga 's birthday , her twenty-first , and at eight o'clock , Norsk time , the yacht was dressed with bunting . Before Helga had finished dressing , Mrs. Hardy 's maid came into her state-room , with a small packet , containing a handsome turquoise ring from Mrs. Hardy , and a leather case from John Hardy , with the initials `` H. H. '' There was a slight blush on her cheek as she remarked this . Her name was to be Helga Hardy . `` Mr. Hardy has directed me to show you the contents of the dressing-case , as you may not understand how to open the secret drawer , '' said Mrs. Hardy 's maid .