noon
George was a true Pendyce ! To the world , however , he behaved as usual . He came to the club about ten o'clock to eat his breakfast and read the sporting papers . Towards noon a hansom took him to the railway-station appropriate to whatever race-meeting was in progress , or , failing that , to the cricket-ground at Lord 's , or Prince 's Tennis Club . Half-past six saw him mounting the staircase at the Stoics ' to that card-room where his effigy still hung , with its look of `` Hard work , hard work ; but I must keep it going ! '' At eight he dined , a bottle of champagne screwed deep down into ice , his face flushed with the day 's sun , his shirt-front and his hair shining with gloss . What happier man in all great London !