about a quarter to five
But she would not tell me . Neither would she let me give her lunch . `` But the telegram , '' said I desperately . `` You might let me -- '' `` I do n't suppose you have tea , but if you do happen to be in St. James 's Street about a quarter to five ... '' That afternoon she showed me the wire . It was as follows : `` Thousand apologies housekeeper 's sudden illness detained me just learned my fool of servant misunderstood hasty instructions and refused you admission another thousand apologies two thousand in all writing . '' We thought it was rather good . The next morning I glanced at the clock and pushed back my chair .