half past nine
I am astonished that M. Fourtou should ever have agreed to so strange an innovation . Go at once and require a later hour . '' I ran downstairs , threw open the front door , and almost plunged into the arms of M. Fourtou 's second . He said : `` I have the honor to say that my principal strenuously objects to the hour chosen , and begs you will consent to change it to half past nine . '' `` Any courtesy , sir , which it is in our power to extend is at the service of your excellent principal . We agree to the proposed change of time . '' `` I beg you to accept the thanks of my client . ''