One o'clock
A waiter sang . The tobacco smoke grew denser , drifting and rising in spirals , waves , tilted layers , cumulus clouds , cataracts and suspended fogs like some fifth element created from the ribs of the ancient four . Laughter and chat grew louder , stimulated by Rooney 's liquids and Rooney 's gallant hospitality to Lady Nicotine . One o'clock struck . Down-stairs there was a sound of closing and locking doors . Frank pulled down the green shades of the front windows carefully . Rooney went below in the dark hall and stood at the front door , his cigarette cached in the hollow of his hand .