ten o'clock
Less amiably disposed ones had remained to titter or hiss . Failure had been written in capital letters across the whole performance -- and deservedly , in the estimation of every one save the unhappy author himself . The play had perished in the very act of birth . But of this tragic termination to so many extravagant hopes Dominic Iglesias was still ignorant , as he entered the dismantled sitting-room at Cedar Lodge that same night a little after half-past ten o'clock . He had dined in the old house in Holland Street ; served by Frederick , the German-Swiss valet , who , some weeks previously , hearing of his intended departure , had announced his intention of `` bettering himself , '' had given Mrs. Porcher warning , and , in moving terms and three languages , implored employment of Iglesias , declaring that the other gentlemen resident at Cedar Lodge were `` no class , '' their clothes utterly unworthy of his powers of brushing and folding . Iglesias stayed on in Holland Street until late , the charm and gentleness of old associations , the sight of familiar objects , the gladness of restored friendship with George Lovegrove working upon him to thankfulness . He was tranquil in spirit , serene with the calm twilight serenity of the strong who have learned the secret of detachment , and , who , while welcoming all glad and gracious occurrences , have schooled themselves to resignation , and , in the affairs of this world , do neither greatly fear nor greatly hope .