11 p.m
The Baroness paid the bill , and went away in a four - wheeler . ' ` Where to ? ' ` The trunks were labelled for Ostend . ' Perhaps it was instinct , perhaps it was the mere spirit of adventure ; but that evening Nella was to be seen of all men on the steamer for Ostend which leaves Dover at 11 p.m. . She told no one of her intentions -- not even her father , who was not in the hotel when she left . She had scribbled a brief note to him to expect her back in a day or two , and had posted this at Dover . The steamer was the Marie Henriette , a large and luxurious boat , whose state-rooms on deck vie with the glories of the Cunard and White Star liners .