six o'clock
St. Maur took a chair beside Sir Joseph 's vast table , and Malster returned to his place . `` You are doubtless aware , '' said the stranger , `` that Lord Henry was due here at this very moment . '' Sir Joseph looked furtively towards his secretary and nodded . St. Maur then proceeded to explain that owing to urgent Party duties at Westminster Lord Henry could not possibly reach Lombard Street before six o'clock that evening , and begged Sir Joseph to say whether he could see him at that hour . He was to return to Westminster at once and convey Sir Joseph 's reply to Lord Henry . The baronet fixed the appointment with Lord Henry for that hour , and St. Maur rose to go . `` Half a minute ! ''