ten
     o'clock
He knew well that what would follow was inevitable , but he made no sign . Two days later he received another letter . This time it was couched in different terms . On a square card , at the top of which was stamped a small coronet , he read as follows : '' _ Madame de Maupassim at home , Saturday evening , May 2nd , at ten o'clock . _ '' In small letters at the bottom left-hand corner were added the words : '' _ To meet friends . _ '' Peter Ruff put the card upon the fire and went out for a morning 's rabbit shooting with his keeper . When he returned , luncheon was ready , but Violet was absent .