twenty minutes past six
Ida did not wait for the return of the maid , but ran downstairs as soon as she was dressed , and questioned Rogers the butler . Rogers , as an old and valuable servant , took his ease of a morning , and only appeared upon the scene when underlings had made all things comfortable and ready to his hand . He therefore knew nothing of the mode and manner of Mr. Wendover and the boy 's departure . Robert , Sir Vernon 's body-guard , groom , and general out-door retainer , was fetched from his breakfast ; and he was able to inform Mrs. Wendover how Sir Vernon had gone out to the stables at twenty minutes past six , with his fishing basket slung over his shoulder , to ask for some artificial flies which Robert had been making for him , and to say that he should not want the pony or Robert all the morning , as he was going out with Mr. Wendover . He had not mentioned his destination , but Robert knew that the water meadows on the other side of Blackman 's Hanger were his favourite ground for such sport . He had been there with Robert many a day . His remotest point in this direction was five or six miles from home .