six o'clock
He appeared at the house at twenty minutes past five , and as Mr. Hurst had not yet come down from town and was not expected until a quarter to six , he explained who he was and said he would wait in the study and write some letters . The housemaid accordingly showed him into the study , furnished him with writing materials , and left him . `` At a quarter to six Mr. Hurst let himself in with his latchkey , and before the housemaid had time to speak to him he had passed through into the study and shut the door . `` At six o'clock , when the dinner bell was rung , Mr. Hurst entered the dining-room alone , and , observing that the table was laid for two , asked the reason . '' ` I thought Mr. Bellingham was staying to dinner , sir , ' was ` The housemaid 's ' reply . '' ` Mr. Bellingham ! ' exclaimed the astonished host .