three o'clock in the afternoon
She was in New York City serenely enjoying one of the big summer shows , accompanied by young Scoville and her onetime governess , a middle-aged gentlewoman who had seen even better days than those spent in the employ of William W. Blithers . The resolute young lady had done precisely what she said she would do , and for the first time in his life Mr. Blithers realised that his daughter was a creation and not a mere condition . He wilted like a famished water-lily and went about the place in a state of bewilderment so bleak that even his wife felt sorry for him and refrained from the `` I told you so '' that might have been expected under the circumstances . Maud 's telegram , which came at three o'clock in the afternoon , was meant to be reassuring but it failed of its purpose . It said : `` Have a good time and do n't lose any sleep over me . I shall sleep very soundly myself at the Ritz to-night and hope you will be doing the same when I return home to-morrow afternoon , for I know you will be dreadfully tired after all the excitement . Convey my congratulations to the guest of honor and believe me to be your devoted and obedient daughter . ''