six o'clock
He was almost glad that a speedy return to London was incumbent upon him . He had next day to superintend the rehearsal of his new play , which was shortly to be produced at one of the smaller theatres ; and as soon as he reached his apartments he was immersed in business of every kind . The next morning 's rehearsal was followed by luncheon with friends , and attendance at a _ matinée _ given for the benefit of the widow and children of an actor -- a performance at which Hubert thought it well to be present , although he invariably bemoaned the loss of time . The piece was not over until six o'clock , and he amused himself afterwards by going behind the scenes , and chatting with some of his acquaintances among actors , actresses , managers , and critics . Thus it was nearly seven before he issued from the theatre , in a street off the Strand , and the day was already drawing to a close . The lamps were lighted and a fog was gathering , through which their beams assumed a yellow and unnatural intensity . Hubert stood on the edge of the pavement , leisurely drawing on his gloves and looking out for a hansom , contrasting meanwhile the glories of the Strand with those of the autumn woods in Hampshire , when his attention was arrested by the sound of a woman 's voice .