half past nine
Consciousness of each other and consciousness of self , as each fought to master the emotions inspired by thoughts of their near parting , drove both into the refuge of a dry , insincere , cool impersonality . Lanyard communicated nothing of his plans , though aware his failure to do so might be misconstrued , instil an instinctive if possibly unconscious resentment to render the situation still more difficult . The truth was , he could barely trust himself to speak lest mere words work on his guard like tiny streams that sap the strength of the dike till it breaks and looses the pent and devastating seas . At half past nine , ending a long silence , Lanyard sat forward in his chair , hesitated , and covered his hesitation by lighting a cigarette . `` I must go now , '' he said , puffing out the match . He was aware of her almost imperceptible start of surprise . `` So soon ? ''