four o'clock
`` I am distracted , child . Please read the letter . '' `` Very well , '' I said , `` I 'll read it . '' This was the letter : `` MY DEAR MOTHER : This will be handed to you at four o'clock . At that hour I shall be in Ventura , accompanied by the Grand Duke Alexander , and , as we are making the trip by automobile , it may be that we shall neither of us return in time for your dinner this evening . '' `` If , however , on reading this you will wire me at Ventura your full consent to my marriage with Miss Middleton , I think I can guarantee that your dinner party will be a success . '' `` I shall be in Ventura till half past four .