two o'clock
He wore a pointed beard and a heavy moustache , which seemed almost dazzlingly white , as were the few locks that appeared , neatly brushed over his temples , beneath his opera hat . His sanguine complexion , however , had all the freshness of youth , and his eyes sparkled merrily , as though amused at the spectacle of his nose , which was immense , curved , and polished , like an eagle 's beak . He wore perfectly-fitting kid gloves , and the collar of his fur wrapper , falling a little open , showed that he was in evening dress . It was so late -- past two o'clock -- that Nino had not expected anything more than a policeman or some homeless wanderer , when he raised his eyes to look on the stranger . He was fascinated by the strange presence of the aged dandy , for such he seemed to be , and returned his gaze boldly . He was still more astonished , however , when the old gentleman came close to him , and raised his hat , displaying , as he did so , a very high and narrow forehead , crowned with a mass of smooth white hair . There was both grace and authority in the courteous gesture , and Nino thought the old gentleman moved with an ease that matched his youthful complexion rather than his hoary locks .