four in the
morning
If of the former nature then the difficulty might be very great indeed ; and it would be highly expedient that Stanbury should have some one in Italy to assist him . It was Nora who suggested that he should carry a letter of introduction to Mr. Spalding , and it was she who wrote it . Sir Marmaduke had not foregathered very closely with the English Minister , and nothing was said of assistance that should be peculiarly British . Then , at last , about three or four in the morning came the moment for parting . Sir Marmaduke had suggested that Stanbury should dine with them on the next day before he started , but Hugh had declined , alleging that as the day was at his command it must be devoted to the work of providing for his absence . In truth , Sir Marmaduke had given the invitation with a surly voice , and Hugh , though he was ready to go to the North Pole for any others of the family , was at the moment in an aggressive mood of mind towards Sir Marmaduke . `` I will send a message directly I get there , '' he said , holding Lady Rowley by the hand , `` and will write fully , -- to you , -- immediately . ''