ten o’clock
I have not yet read the letter , '' said Gentz , breaking the seal . While he was reading it , a slight blush suffused his cheeks , and an expression of shame overspread his features . `` Here , read it , '' he murmured , handing the letter to his friend . Gualtieri took it and read as follows : `` My Dear Counsellor , -- You wished to see me , and I begged you to call at ten o'clock , although I was overwhelmed with business and hardly had any time to spare . Precisely at ten o'clock I was ready to receive you , for in all matters of business I am a very punctual man . However , after vainly waiting for you for half an hour , I resumed my work . I had to examine some very complicated accounts , and could not allow myself to be interrupted after once taking them up .