eight o'clock
`` Certainly not , my dear , '' replied Mrs. Hornby , and she was about to enlarge on the subject when Miss Gibson rose and , looking at her watch , declared that she must start on her errand at once . I also rose to make my adieux , and she then remarked -- `` If you are walking in the same direction as I am , Dr. Jervis , we might arrange the time of our proposed visit as we go along . '' I was not slow to avail myself of this invitation , and a few seconds later we left the house together , leaving Mrs. Hornby smiling fatuously after us from the open door . `` Will eight o'clock suit you , do you think ? '' Miss Gibson asked , as we walked up the street . `` It will do excellently , I should say , '' I answered . `` If anything should render the meeting impossible I will send you a telegram .