seven o'clock
Opening the door with his key , Stephen Foster led his guest into the drawing-room , where Madge was sitting with a book . She kissed her father , and gave a hand reluctantly to Nevill , whom she addressed as Mr. Royle . She resumed her reading , perched on a couch by the window , and Nevill stole numerous glances at her while he chatted with his host . The curio-dealer dined early -- he was always hungry when he came back from town -- and dinner was announced at seven o'clock . It was a protracted ceremony , and the courses were well served and admirably cooked ; the wine came from a carefully selected cellar , and was beyond reproach . Madge presided at the table , and joined in the conversation ; but it evidently cost her an effort to be cheerful . After the dessert she rose .