six o'clock
I had not seen him for a fortnight , for his calls had ceased even before Frances ' last visit . Hephzy had said that , in her opinion , his meals must be disagreeing with him . Judging by his appearance his digestion was still very much impaired . He was in evening dress , of course ; being an English gentleman he would have dressed for his own execution , if it was scheduled to take place after six o'clock . But his tie was carelessly arranged , his shirt bosom was slightly crumpled and there was a general `` do n't care '' look about his raiment which was , for him , most unusual . And he was very solemn . I decided at once , whatever might have happened , it was not what I surmised .