7:29
`` I tell you what , '' said he , `` I do n't mean to wait a minute after 7:30 . If he turns up late , you can make my apologies , and say I 'll be happy to lunch with him to-morrow . '' He put on his coat , added an overcoat and white scarf , cocked his opera hat on his shapely old head , and sat confronting his sitting-room clock . At 7:29 he rose briskly , and then with a sigh sank back into his chair . He heard a footstep on the stair . `` Mr. Walkingshaw , '' announced the valet . The Colonel advanced with that courteous smile for which he was renowned .