ten o'clock
`` Of course you want to ` talk business , ' and when business is on the tapis we women folk must retire to our rooms . Business is our greatest rival and enemy , Mr. Duncan . On this occasion I not only take myself out of the way , but I have bidden my two sisters remain in the dining room until you two gentlemen shall have finished your talk . After that -- perhaps ten o'clock will suit you -- you are to come into the dining room , if you are gracious enough , and have a little supper . '' Duncan bowed , in implication of a promise , which he was not destined to fulfill . When the gracious gentlewoman had left the room , Napper Tandy came at once to the subject in hand . `` I 'm more than glad , Duncan , '' he lyingly said , `` that these financial people have asked you to examine and report upon this scheme of extension .