two o'clock
Everybody would seem to have what you call ` affairs of importance . ' '' `` Upon my word , madam , you have made me totally forget _ mine _ , then , '' said Grounsell , jumping up from his seat , and looking at his watch . `` I came here prepared to make certain explanations , and ask your opinion on certain points . It is now two o'clock , and I have not even opened the matter in hand . '' Lady Hester laughed heartily at his distress , and continued to enjoy her mirth as he packed up his scattered papers , buttoned his greatcoat , and hurried away , without even the ceremony of a leave-taking . D'Esmonde and his friend Michel sat beside the fire in a small parlor of the wayside public-house called `` The Rore . '' They were both thoughtful and silent , and in their moody looks might be read the signs of brooding care .