six o'clock
Human life had been taken for far less value than that of my jewellery , I knew ; nevertheless , the deliberate shooting at me while I felt the patient 's pulse showed a determination to assassinate . By good fortune , however , I had escaped , and resolved to exercise more care in future when answering night calls to unknown houses . Sir Bernard did not come to town that day ; therefore I was compelled to spend the afternoon in the severe consulting-room at Harley Street , busy the whole time . Shortly before six o'clock , utterly worn out , I strolled round to my rooms to change my coat before going down to the Savage Club to dine with my friends -- for it was Saturday night , and I seldom missed the genial house-dinner of that most Bohemian of institutions . Without ceremony I threw open the door of my sitting-room and entered , but next instant stood still , for , seated in my chair patiently awaiting me was the slim , well-dressed figure of Mary Courtenay . Her widow 's weeds became her well ; and as she rose with a rustle of silk , a bright laugh rippled from her lips , and she said : `` I know I 'm an unexpected visitor , Doctor , but you 'll forgive my calling in this manner , wo n't you ? '' `` Forgive you ?