four o'clock
Stephen Foster came home at seven o'clock , but he dined alone . Madge was in her room , and would not come out or touch food . Her eyes were red and swollen , and she had wept until the fountain of her tears was dried up . At four o'clock that same afternoon Mr. Tenby , the famous criminal solicitor , was sitting in his private office in Bedford street , Strand , when two prospective clients were announced simultaneously , and , by a mistake on the part of the office-boy , shown in together . The visitors were Jimmie Drexell and Sir Lucius Chesney , and , greatly to their mutual amazement and the surprise of the solicitor , it appeared that they had come on the same errand -- to engage Mr. Tenby to look after the interests of Jack Vernon . They were soon on the best of terms . `` Mr. Vernon is an old friend of mine , '' Jimmie explained , `` and I am going to see him through this thing .