four o'clock
But this was no time to risk the chance of crossing him . She must wait . She must choose the lesser risk of Nina making mischief with old Madame Carter ; the contingency was there , but it was a remote contingency . At four o'clock Richard came home , and the instant Harriet saw his face she realized , with a shock even sharper than the original moment of incredulity , that he had had no success in his search . He was alone . She was standing in one of the doorways of the lower hall when he crossed it , but he did not see her . His face was drawn and gray , he looked hot and rumpled and utterly weary ; more , he who had always been the pink of well-groomed perfection looked old .