ten o'clock
At this same time , evidently by appointment , came the charwomen -- `` char '' being spelled s-c-r-u-b , and affording an example of how pure English has been corrupted out in the Americas . After the arrival of the head `` clarks '' and stenographers at nine-forty-five , there ensued fifteen minutes of guarded conversation in front of the offices . During this time the public issues of the day were settled and the nation 's policies outlined . At ten o'clock the offices were formally opened , and at ten-thirty a reception was tendered to the managers who arrived dressed as for any well-conducted afternoon function . To Mitchell , who was accustomed to the feverish , football methods of American business life , all this was vastly edifying and instructive ; it was even soothing , although he was vaguely offended to note that passers-by avoided him as if fearful of contamination . Upon entering 42-1/2 Threadneedle Street , he was halted by an imperious office-boy . To him Louis gave his card with a request that it be handed to Mr. Peebleby , then he seated himself and for an hour witnessed a parade of unsmiling , silk-hatted gentlemen pass in and out of Mr. Peebleby 's office .