five o'clock exactly
The train started and soon disappeared in the tunnel . Then Don Luis flung himself on a bench in a waiting room and remained there for two hours , pretending to read the newspapers . But his eyes wandered and his mind was haunted by the agonizing question that once more forced itself upon him : was Florence guilty or not ? * * * * * It was five o'clock exactly when Major Comte d'Astrignac , Maître Lepertuis , and the secretary of the American Embassy were shown into M. Desmalions 's office . At the same moment some one entered the messengers ' room and handed in his card . The messenger on duty glanced at the pasteboard , turned his head quickly toward a group of men talking in a corner , and then asked the newcomer : `` Have you an appointment , sir ? '' `` It 's not necessary .