nine o'clock
`` Mr. Fitzroy ! '' He knew as he looked up that Cynthia dared not face him again , for her voice was too exquisitely subtle in its modulations not to betray its owner 's disappointment before she uttered another word . `` I am very sorry , '' she said rapidly , `` but I feel I ought not to leave Mrs. Devar until she is better , so I mean to remain indoors all day . I shall not require the car before nine o'clock to-morrow . If _ you _ like to visit Hereford , go at any time that suits your convenience . '' She seemed to regret the curtness of her speech , though indeed she was raging inwardly because of certain barbed shafts planted in her breast by Mrs. Devar 's faint protests , and tried to mitigate the blow she had inflicted by adding , with a valiant smile : `` For this occasion only , Jupiter must content himself with Mercury as a companion . '' `` If I had Jove 's power -- '' he began wrathfully .