a quarter to eight
Yet how could he make any direct charge against the general 's stepdaughter , who had always been most generous to him in the matter of tips ? Besides , did not the captain write a note to her with his last dying effort ? What proof was there that the pair had not dined together ? Fetherston had already made diligent inquiries at Hill Street , and had discovered from the butler that Miss Enid , on her arrival home from Salisbury , had changed her gown and gone out in a taxi at a quarter to eight . She had dined out -- but where was unknown . It was quite true that she had come in before ten o'clock , and soon afterwards had received a note by boy-messenger . In view of these facts it appeared quite certain to Fetherston that Enid and Harry Bellairs had taken dinner _ tête-à-tête _ at some quiet restaurant .