nearly noon
before
After he had asked him as to his age , length of residence in the city , his property , and some few other technical matters , he leaned back in his chair and said : `` Now , let 's hear your side of the story , Van . I do n't suppose you like to go over the thing again , but you see I ought to know . '' Vandover told of the affair , Geary making notes as he went along . It was nearly noon before their interview was at an end . Then Geary gathered up the papers and reached for his hat and stick , saying : `` Well , now , that 's all we can do to-day . I think I 'll be up to see you again day after to-morrow , in the afternoon . Beale Jr. and I have a date with Mr. Wade again to-morrow , I think , and I can talk to you more definitely after that .