noon
The clock in the hall struck half-past eight . It was rather less than two hours earlier on the same evening that Quentin Gray came out of the confectioner 's shop in old Bond Street carrying a neat parcel . Yellow dusk was closing down upon this bazaar of the New Babylon , and many of the dealers in precious gems , vendors of rich stuffs , and makers of modes had already deserted their shops . Smartly dressed show-girls , saleswomen , girl clerks and others crowded the pavements , which at high noon had been thronged with ladies of fashion . Here a tailor 's staff , there a hatter 's lingered awhile as iron shutters and gratings were secured , and bidding one another good night , separated and made off towards Tube and bus . The working day was ended . Society was dressing for dinner .