nearly ten o’clock
She walked from Victoria to Chelsea along the Embankment , trying to convince herself that it was good to be in London . But her step flagged as she went up the stone stairs , and when she got to the flat and found that Pauline had not returned , a great flood of loneliness rushed over her . She put her flowers down on the table , and , covering her face with her hands , she burst into tears . It was nearly ten o'clock when Pauline returned . Madame Verney had begged her so hard to stay and keep her company that she had not been able to refuse , she told Rose , with many caresses . `` I have been thinking of you all the time , you poor darling . But what could I do ?