a quarter past one
Mrs. Barkamb had nothing more to tell , and Robert had no further questions to ask . He requested permission to retain the two letters written by the lieutenant and his daughter , and left the house with them in his pocket-book . He walked straight back to the hotel , where he called for a time-table . An express for London left Wildernsea at a quarter past one . Robert sent his portmanteau to the station , paid his bill , and walked up and down the stone terrace fronting the sea , waiting for the starting of the train . `` I have traced the histories of Lucy Graham and Helen Talboys to a vanishing point , '' he thought ; `` my next business is to discover the history of the woman who lies buried in Ventnor churchyard . '' Upon his return from Wildernsea , Robert Audley found a letter from his Cousin Alicia , awaiting him at his chambers .