about five o'clock
Her use of the word `` disease '' was intended as a mockery of his theories . He knew that she was quite capable of talking over the ` phone precisely as she had written -LRB- reserve was not her strong point -RRB- , and that she had undoubtedly given Viola reason to expect him . However , having concluded on his own account to see her once more , Kate 's exhortation merely confirmed him in a good intention , `` I will confront Clarke , and try to pluck the heart out of this mystery , but I will keep clear of any personal relation with the girl and her mother , '' he said , as if in answer to his sister 's admonition . It was about five o'clock of the afternoon as he again mounted to Pratt 's portico , recalling , as he did so , the dramatic contrasting scenes of the evening before -- on this side of the brick wall a communion with the dead , on that the throbbing , gay life of a ballroom . Truly a city street was a microcosm . A solemn-visaged colored man -- not the officious usher of the night before -- took his card and led him into a gorgeous , glacial reception-room on the left . The house was very still and cold and gloomy , for the day was darkening and the lights were not yet on .