about nine o'clock
And as he gazed , one sentiment dominated all the others in his heart ; the sudden and lively re-awakening of his old love for Rome -- fairest Rome -- that city of cities , immense , imperial , unique -- like the sea , for ever young , for ever new , for ever mysterious . ` What time is it ? ' Andrea asked of Stephen . It was about nine o'clock . Feeling somewhat tired , he determined to have a sleep : also , that he would see no one that day and spend the evening quietly at home . Seeing that he was about to re-enter the life of the great world of Rome , he wished , before taking up the old round of activity , to indulge in a little meditation , a slight preparation ; to lay down certain rules , to discuss with himself his future line of conduct . ` If any one calls , ' he said to Stephen , ` say that I have not yet returned ; and let the porter know it too .