a quarter
past twelve at night
But the opportunity to show this magnanimity was not vouchsafed to him by fate -- for other people were introduced to the party by Mr. Deanwood , and he did not exchange a word alone with his erring fiancee until she said a cold good-night in the hall of the Grand Hotel . `` Stella , remain for a moment , I wish to speak to you , '' he said in the voice in which he was accustomed to read the burial service . But she feigned not to hear and followed her Aunt Caroline 's black velvet train on to the lift and at that same moment a discreet-looking foreign servant came up and handed him a note . He read it in surprise -- who could be sending him a note at a quarter past twelve at night ? Dear Sir -LSB- it ran -RSB- , I shall be greatly obliged if you can spare to me half an hour before retiring to your rest to converse upon a matter of importance . I had the honor of making your acquaintance to-night at your Embassy . If you will grant me this favor I will wait upon you immediately in the hall , or , if you prefer , my sitting-room ; my servant could conduct you here , and we shall have the advantage of being entirely undisturbed .