four in the afternoon
It would have been easy enough to settle the matter by revealing Courtnay 's injudicious display of affection towards Madame de Belle-Île , but that was not Tinker 's way . He had a passion for keeping things in his own hands , and a pretty eye for dramatic possibilities . Besides , he had taken a great dislike to Courtnay , and was eager to make his discomfiture signal . At half-past four in the afternoon he knocked at the door of Madame de Belle-Île 's suite of rooms , and her maid conducted so prominent a figure in Monte Carlo society straight to her mistress . Madame de Belle-Île , having just changed from a bright scarlet costume into a brighter , was taking her afternoon tea before returning to the tables . `` Bonjour , Monsieur le Vaurien , '' she said with a bright smile . `` Have you at last succeeded in gambling ? ''