five minutes past three
Do n't forget ! It 's close by here -- along the Rue Royale . Be absolutely punctual , or else I shall think that having _ seen _ me , seen how changed I am , you have altered your mind . I shall _ quite _ understand ; only I _ may _ come back at five minutes past three and accept General Tompkins . Acquaintances ripen quickly in Brussels . '' * * * * * In the Palm House -- or rather one of its many compartments ; 3.5 p.m. , on a beautiful afternoon in early December . The sun is sinking over outspread Brussels in a pink and yellow haze radiating from the good-humoured-looking , orange orb .