three o'clock
`` Do you want it in boxes , monsieur ? '' `` In boxes , madame , if you choose . '' I looked all around the room and saw nobody but two old women standing behind another counter -- no signs of Irene . I paid for my tea , and while writing down my address , I questioned the saleswoman : `` I promised my wife to meet her here at three o'clock to select this tea -- not that my presence was necessary , as her taste is always mine -- but she requested me to come , and I fear I have made a mistake in the hour , my watch has run down and I had no idea it was so late -- I hope she did not wait for me ? has she been here ? '' Thereupon I gave a minute description of Irene de Chateaudun , from the color of her hair to the shade of her boot . `` Yes , monsieur , she was here about three o'clock , it is now five ; she was only here a few minutes -- long enough to make a little purchase . ''