nine o'clock before
Cloudless , and pierced by one solitary star , a copper-green sky gleamed through the windows . He read on by its wan light till he could read no more . Then , after his valet had reminded him several times of the lateness of the hour , he got up , and , going into the next room , placed the book on the little Florentine table that always stood at his bedside , and began to dress for dinner . It was almost nine o'clock before he reached the club , where he found Lord Henry sitting alone , in the morning-room , looking very much bored . `` I am so sorry , Harry , '' he cried , `` but really it is entirely your fault . That book you sent me so fascinated me that I forgot how the time was going . '' `` Yes : I thought you would like it , '' replied his host , rising from his chair .