about four in the
afternoon
A flush rose to Denzil 's forehead : `` Yes , I do know , '' he said a little hurriedly , `` but we are not conventional in these days . I wish to see her ; please , darling Mother , do what I ask . '' And then he had turned the conversation . So his mother had obediently arranged matters , and at about four in the afternoon left him at the Brook Street door . Early as it was , Amaryllis had made the tea , and expected to see both Denzil and his mother . The room was full of hyacinths and daffodils , and she herself looked like a spring flower , as she sat on the sofa among the green silk cushions , wrapped in a pale parma violet tea-gown . The butler announced `` Captain Ardayre , '' and Denzil came in slowly , and murmured `` How do you do ? ''