nine o'clock
This soliloquy may be taken to prove that Horace Smithson knew Lesbia Haselden better than she knew herself . She had refused him in all good faith ; but even to-day , after he had left her , she fell into a day-dream in which Mr. Smithson 's houses and yachts , drags and hunters , formed the shifting pictures in a dissolving view of society ; and Lesbia wondered if there were any other young woman in London who would refuse such an offer as that which she had quietly rejected half-an-hour ago . Lady Kirkbank surprised her while she was still absorbed in this dreamy review of the position . It is just possible that the fair Georgie may have had notice of Mr. Smithson 's morning visit , and may have kept out of the way on purpose , for she was not a person of lazy habits , and was generally ready for her nine o'clock breakfast and her morning stroll in the park , however late she might have been out overnight . ` Mr. Smithson has been here , I understand , ' said Lady Kirkbank , settling herself in an arm-chair by the open window , after she had kissed her _ protégée _ . ` Rilboche passed him on the stairs . ' ` Rilboche is always passing people on the stairs , ' answered Lesbia rather pettishly .