four o'clock in the afternoon
`` I certainly expect it , Ted . '' Although Mrs. Trappème had been so short a time in Townsville , she had contrived to learn a very good deal , not only about people in the town itself , but in the surrounding districts , and knew that Grainger was a wealthy mine-owner , had a sister staying with him on a visit -- and was a bachelor . She also knew that Mallard was the editor of the _ Champion _ , and was likewise a bachelor -- in fact , she had acquired pretty well all the information that could be acquired ; her informant being the talkative , scandal-mongering wife of the Episcopalian curate . She was therefore highly elated when at four o'clock in the afternoon Miss Grainger and her brother , and Mallard , after a brief inspection of the rooms -- which were really handsomely furnished -- took three of the largest and a private sitting-room , at an exorbitant figure , for a week , and promised to be at the Villa that evening for dinner . `` He 's immensely rich , Juliette , '' she said to her daughter -LRB- she was speaking of Grainger after he had gone -RRB- , `` and you must do your best , your very best . Wear something very simple , as it is the first evening ; and be particularly nice to his sister -- I 'm sure he 's very fond of her . She 'll only be here a week , but he and Mr. Mallard will probably be here a month .