midnight
Aloud he says to his servant : `` Sims , go to the door and enquire if Lady Esmondet has really gone ; if so , has she left any message for me . '' `` Yes , sir . '' Returning , he hands a letter to his master , saying : `` Her ladyship left this with the housekeeper for you , sir , and Grimes says , sir , they waited 'til the last minute for you , sir . '' Not delaying to peruse the written words of his friend , he drove with all speed to the Great Northern Station , only to learn that the train had left on time at midnight , when , turning his horses ' heads once more , and for his hotel , he has soon reached the `` Langham . '' On gaining his own apartments his great dog Mars gives a whine of satisfaction at the return of his master , who , throwing himself wearily into a favourite chair , while the smoke from his cigar curls upwards , takes from his pocket the delicate epistle with the perfume of violets upon it , and which reads as follows : `` Lionel , _ mon cher ami _ , I feel it in my heart to scold you . How is it you are not with us ? The Claxtons will hear of no further delay .