four o'clock
He led them into the Gothic sanctum at the rear of the house where the famous sermons were written that shook the sounding-board of the temple where the gentleman preached , -- the sermons that sometimes got into the newspapers . Mr. White cleared his throat . `` I am -- very familiar with your name , Mr. Chiltern , '' he said , `` and it is a pleasure to be able to serve you , and the lady who is so shortly to be your wife . Your servant arrived with your note at four o'clock . Ten minutes later , and I should have missed him . '' And then Honora heard Chiltern saying somewhat coldly : -- `` In order to save time , Mr. White , I wish to tell you that Mrs. Leffingwell has been divorced -- '' The Reverend Mr. White put up a hand before him , and looked down at the carpet , as one who would not dwell upon painful things . `` Unfortunate -- ahem -- mistakes will occur in life , Mr. Chiltern -- in the best of lives , '' he replied .