October, about four o'clock
Mr. Eliott , dexterous as ever , and fortified by the exact sciences , took refuge from the occult under his covering of profound stupidity . He had a secret understanding with Dr. Gardner on the subject . His spirit no longer searched for Dr. Gardner 's across the welter of his wife 's drawing-room , knowing that it would find it at the club . Now , in October , about four o'clock on the Thursday after Peggy 's birthday , Canon Wharton and Miss Proctor met at Mrs. Eliott 's . The Canon had watched his opportunity and drawn his hostess apart . `` May I speak with you a moment , '' he said , `` before your other guests arrive ? '' Mrs. Eliott led him to a secluded sofa .