six o'clock
Foolish , in public , beyond a certain point , he was scarce the man to brook his wife 's being thought to be ; so that there hovered before their friend the possibility of some subsequent scene between them , in the carriage or at home , of slightly sarcastic inquiry , of promptly invited explanation ; a scene that , according as Maggie should play her part in it , might or might not precipitate developments . What made these appearances practically thrilling , meanwhile , was this mystery -- a mystery , it was clear , to Amerigo himself -- of the incident or the influence that had so peculiarly determined them . The lady of Cadogan Place was to read deeper , however , within three days , and the page was turned for her on the eve of her young confidant 's leaving London . The awaited migration to Fawns was to take place on the morrow , and it was known meanwhile to Mrs. Assingham that their party of four were to dine that night , at the American Embassy , with another and a larger party ; so that the elder woman had a sense of surprise on receiving from the younger , under date of six o'clock , a telegram requesting her immediate attendance . `` Please come to me at once ; dress early , if necessary , so that we shall have time : the carriage , ordered for us , will take you back first . '' Mrs. Assingham , on quick deliberation , dressed , though not perhaps with full lucidity , and by seven o'clock was in Portland Place , where her friend , `` upstairs '' and described to her on her arrival as herself engaged in dressing , instantly received her . She knew on the spot , poor Fanny , as she was afterwards to declare to the Colonel , that her feared crisis had popped up as at the touch of a spring , that her impossible hour was before her .