eleven in the morning
That morning Widdowson had received from his sister-in-law a scribbled post-card , asking him to call upon Mrs. Luke early the day that followed . Of course this meant that the lady was desirous of further talk concerning Miss Madden . Unwillingly , but as a matter of duty , he kept the appointment . It was at eleven in the morning , and , when admitted to the flat in Victoria Street which was his relative 's abode , he had to wait a quarter of an hour for the lady 's appearance . Luxurious fashion , as might have been expected , distinguished Mrs. Luke 's drawing-room . Costly and beautiful things superabounded ; perfume soothed the air . Only since her bereavement had Mrs. Widdowson been able to indulge this taste for modern exuberance in domestic adornment .