a quarter before
ten
The day and hour for the beginning of that which James Stuart insisted on designating as a partnership had arrived . At ten o'clock that April morning , when Georgiana 's housework should have reached a stage when she could safely leave it for a more or less extended period , the study door was to close upon the two and shut them away undisturbed for the first details of their affair in common . Georgiana had been up since before daybreak , planning and executing a system which should make all this possible . Now , at a quarter before ten , with all well in hand , she flew to her room for certain personal touches which should transform her from housewife to secretary . Two minutes before the clock struck she surveyed herself hurriedly in her small mirror . `` You really look very trim and demure , '' she remarked to her image . `` Your colour is a bit high , but that 's exercise , not excitement .