eight o'clock
Then he hastily brushed from the sleeve of his coat the telltale billiard chalk , whose presence reminded him that a general survey might be a wise precaution . He was rubbing a white streak from his trousers ' leg when the door flew open and the butler admitted him to the hallway . This personage relieved him of his hat , coat and stick and announced : `` Miss Vernon is w ` itin ' for you , sir . '' `` How the devil did I happen to let eight o'clock strike nine before I knew it ? '' muttered the visitor . He was at the drawing-room door as he concluded this self-addressed reproach , extending both hands toward the young woman who came from the fireplace to meet him . `` How late you are , Hugh , '' she cried , half resentfully .