about ten
o'clock
`` Just nothing at all . We quarrelled over what was simply a trifling matter to him , but a good deal to older men like you and I , and that 's the whole thing . Now tell me all about the voyage of the _ Maritana _ . '' Brabant saw that there was something beneath the surface , so at once did begin to talk about his voyage ; and presently some other people -- men and women -- dropped in , and the conversation became general , and about ten o'clock Mrs. Brabant , under the plea of a bad headache , bade her guests good-night . She shook hands with some gracious words with Lester and the second mate , but , much to her husband 's distress , simply bowed coldly to his friend Bruce , and ignored his proffered hand . The honest , loyal-hearted Scotsman flushed to the roots of his hair , but pretended not to notice the slight . Long after midnight , when all his guests except Bruce and Lester and his fellow-officer had gone home , Brabant and they walked to and fro under the coco-palms which surrounded the bungalow .