About five o'clock
Will you kindly inform Mr. Skidder of my congratulations and best wishes for his prosperity ? And you may say that I shall be glad to hear from him about his new enterprise . '' To Mr. Puma 's elaborate leave-taking she vouchsafed a quick , amused nod , then hurried away eastward to keep her appointment at the Canteen . * * * * * About five o'clock she experienced a healthy inclination for tea and wavered between the Plaza and home . Ilse and Marya were with her , but an indefinable something caused her to hesitate , and finally to let them go to the Plaza without her . What might be the reason of this sudden whim for an unpremeditated cup of tea at home she scarcely took the trouble to analyse . Yet , she was becoming conscious of a subtle and increasing exhilaration as she approached her house and mounted the steps .