nine o'clock
or was that the veritable M. Max , and was the patron of the Astoria a disguised M. Max ? It is quite possible that M. Gaston Max , himself , could not have answered that question , so true an artist was he ; and it is quite certain that had the occasion arisen he would have refused to do so . He partook of a light dinner in his own room , and having changed into evening dress , went out to meet Mr. Gianapolis . The latter was on the spot punctually at nine o'clock , and taking the Frenchman familiarly by the arm , he hailed a taxi-cab , giving the man the directions , `` To Victoria-Suburban . '' Then , turning to his companion , he whispered : `` Evening dress ? And you must return in daylight . '' M. Max felt himself to be flushing like a girl .