about four o'clock
She was not used to such rebuffs , however , and before long she made another attempt . This time she herself called up Pica and asked him at what hour the Captain could see her on a matter of importance . When the orderly delivered the message , Severi was at first inclined to make an excuse ; but the Princess 's persistency in trying to see him was obvious , and as he thought it possible that she might wish to ask him some question relating to Giovanni , he bade Pica answer that he would stay at home that afternoon , if it suited her convenience to come . She replied that she would appear about four o'clock . Ugo was buried in the history of Confucianism when his man came to tell him this , and he merely nodded , but looked up quickly when Pica turned to the door . ` Shave and dress , ' he said laconically , and at once began to read again . It was the order he gave when he expected the visit of a superior officer , for as a rule Pica only shaved twice a week , and never put on a cloth tunic except when he had leave for the afternoon and evening .