about seven o'clock
So Mr. Green was very cautious all the Friday evening , and made himself as irresistible as he could , using all his clever wits to flatter and cajole Cecilia , and leaving not a trifle unconsidered which could interfere with his plans . They were simple enough . He claimed to have discovered a quite new and quite charming spot on the Lido , which he was most anxious to take Mrs. Cricklander to see alone -- he put a stress upon the word _ alone _ , and looked into her eyes . They would go quite early and be back before tea , as John Derringham had timed himself to arrive upon the mainland about seven o'clock , and would be at the Daniellis , where they were all staying , for dinner . Mrs. Cricklander felt she must have one more delightful afternoon , and , as this excursion might contain a spice of adventure , it thrilled her blood . She had been exquisitely discreet -- in public -- forcing Arabella always to talk to Mr. Hanbury-Green , and devoting herself to Lady Maulevrier , or any other lady or old gentleman who happened to be present . And then she felt free to spend long hours alone with Mr. Hanbury-Green in her sitting-room , whose balcony hung over the beautiful canal .