about eight o’clock
Ever since the morning the owners of this wealth had arrived by ones or twos in their costly motorcars , attended by smart chauffeurs and valets . Their fur coats , their jewelled studs and rings , something in their very faces suggested money , which indeed was the bond that brought and held them together . Alan did not come until it was time to dress for dinner , for he knew that Barbara would not appear before that meal , and it was her society he sought , not that of his host or fellow guests . Accompanied by his negro servant , Jeekie , for in a house like this it was necessary to have someone to wait upon him , he drove over from Yarleys , a distance of ten miles , arriving about eight o'clock . `` Mr. Haswell as gone up to dress , Major , and so have the other gentlemen , '' said the head butler , Mr. Smith , `` but Miss Champers told me to give you this note and to say that dinner is at half-past eight . '' Alan took the note and asked to be shown to his room . Once there , although he had only five and twenty minutes , he opened it eagerly , while Jeekie unpacked his bag .