ten o'clock
The detective promised to do his best , -LRB- which was said to be very good -RRB- , held out hopes of success , and assured me of his discretion . On the whole , I was pleased with him . He looked like a man who thoroughly knew his business ; and had it not been for the solemn warning of the Foreign Secretary , and the risk for Maxine , I would gladly have put more efficient weapons in Girard 's hands , by telling him everything . By the time that the detective had been primed with such facts and details as I could give , it was past ten o'clock . I could see my way to do nothing more for the moment , and as I was half famished , I whizzed back in my hired automobile to the Élysée Palace Hotel . There I had food served in my own sitting-room , lest George Sandford should chance inconveniently upon some acquaintance of Ivor Dundas , in the restaurant . I did not hurry over the meal , for all I wanted now was to arrive at Maxine de Renzie 's house at twelve o'clock , and tell her my news -- or lack of news .