eleven in the morning
Hilliard spoke a hurried word or two about Eve and went his way . Something less than a week after this he chanced to be away from home throughout the whole day , and on returning he was surprised to see a telegram upon his table . It came from Patty Ringrose , and asked him to call at the shop without fail between one and two that day . The hour was now nearly ten ; the despatch had arrived at eleven in the morning . Without a minute 's delay he ran out in search of a cab , and was driven to High Street . Here , of course , he found the shop closed , but it was much too early for the household to have retired to rest ; risking an indiscretion , he was about to ring the house bell when the door opened , and Patty showed herself . `` Oh , is it _ you _ , Mr. Hilliard ! ''