eight in the morning
`` It 's -- business . This was written yesterday ; I should have got it last night . '' Her eyes widened . `` But nobody does business at eight in the morning -- '' she began , in astonishment ; then she suddenly broke off . Without apology or farewell , Loder had left the fireplace and walked out of the room . He passed through the hall hurriedly , picking up a hat as he went ; and , reaching the pavement outside , he went straight forward until Grosvenor Square was left behind ; then he ran . At the risk of reputation , at the loss of dignity , he ran until he saw a cab .