three o'clock
Richard , returning from golf for a late luncheon , asked for her . Mrs. Carter was still asleep , Bottomley assured him , and received orders not to disturb her . But when Mr. Blondin called , Richard told the butler he was to be shown to the terrace at once . At three o'clock , therefore , Royal Blondin followed his guide out to the basket chairs that were set under the trees , and here he found Richard , comfortably smoking , and alone . The host rose to greet him , but they did not shake hands , and measured each other like wrestlers as they sat down . `` I had your message , '' Royal said , as an opening . `` You 've not seen Nina to-day ? ''