five
o'clock
The Japanese servant , who was cook and valet and chamberman , had brought the telegram and the last luncheon dish at the same time . Now he was providing Billy the chauffeur with something to eat . But Nick did not wait or even think about Billy . The engagement with Mrs. Gaylor and Angela was for five o'clock , but that made no difference to Nick , with the telegram in his hand . Knowing what he knew -- for he did know now , as if he had seen all Wisler 's proofs -- he would not trust Angela alone with Carmen for a single hour . He was going this instant to snatch her away , with no matter what excuse . He would think of something to satisfy Angela , for she must not find out the truth if he could help it -- anyhow , not while she was under Carmen 's roof ; it would shock and distress her too much .