Quarter to eleven
In time , however , the gathering began to thin out , until at length there remained only this party of three , Lanyard enjoying a most delectable salad , and Roddy puffing a cigar -LRB- with such a show of enjoyment that Lanyard suspected him of the sin of smuggling -RRB- and slowly gulping down a second bottle of Bass . Under these conditions the talk between De Morbihan and the Americans became public property . The first remark overheard by Lanyard came from the elderly American , following a pause and a consultation of his watch . `` Quarter to eleven , '' he announced . `` Plenty of time , '' said De Morbihan cheerfully . `` That is , '' he amended , `` if mademoiselle is n't bored ... '' The girl 's reply , accompanied by a pretty inclination of her head toward the Frenchman , was lost in the accents of the first speaker -- a strong and sonorous voice , in strange contrast with his ravaged appearance and distressing cough . `` Do n't let that worry you , '' he advised cheerfully .