about two o'clock
I am afraid I shocked Mrs. Berridge at the outset by my casual `` Who 's this man Challis ? '' She certainly atoned by her own manner for my irreverence ; she very obviously tried to impress me . I professed submission , but was not intimidated , rather my curiosity was aroused . Mrs. Berridge was not able to tell me the one thing I most desired to know , whether the lord of Challis Court was in residence ; but it was not far to walk , and I set out about two o'clock . Challis was getting into his motor as I walked up the drive . I hurried forward to catch him before the machine was started . He saw me coming and paused on the doorstep .