about eleven o'clock
Besides , I had already met Sir Robert and his wife -- had indeed on one occasion spent ten days ' leave with Ronald under their roof ; and more genial , kindly , warmer-hearted people it would be impossible to imagine ; so I felt hopeful that , with Ronald for my sponsor and advocate , Sir Robert would not refuse to give me his best advice and assistance . It was late in the afternoon when I arrived at Waterloo -- too late , I knew , to catch Sir Robert Gordon at his office ; I therefore slung my chest on top of a cab , and ordered the driver to take me to a certain quiet and unassuming but comfortable hotel near the Embankment , where I proposed to take up my quarters until I could see my way a little more clearly . Here I dined , took a walk along the Embankment afterwards , and turned in early , not feeling in cue for amusement of any kind . On the following morning I rose late , of deliberate purpose , had my breakfast , and then sauntered along the Embankment toward Sir Robert 's office , timing myself to arrive there about eleven o'clock , by which time I calculated that Ronald 's father would about have gone through his morning 's correspondence , and would be able to spare me a few minutes of his time . As it chanced , I could not have timed my movements better , for as I was shown up to Sir Robert 's private room I encountered his secretary just coming out , with a notebook in one hand and a goodly batch of letters in the other . I may here explain that Sir Robert Gordon was an official of high position and very considerable importance in the Foreign Office . He received me very kindly , bade me be seated , and then said : `` Well , Swinburne , here you are at last .