the hour of eight
`` Fifty cents is the very least you could tip him . '' Richard actually protested , but Condy was firm , and insisted upon a half-dollar tip . `` Noblesse oblige , '' he declared with vast solemnity . They walked as far as the cathedral , listened for a moment to the bell striking the hour of eight ; then as they remembered that the restaurant closed at that time , hurried back and entered the outside room in feigned perturbation . `` Did I , could I have possibly left my stick here ? '' exclaimed Condy to Richard , who was untying his apron behind the counter . But Richard had not noticed .