About three o'clock
In fact , the housemaid is a particular decent sort of a girl . '' At this point , Mr. Carrington 's interest in the subject seemed to wane , and after a few pleasant generalities , he thanked the Superintendent for his courtesy , and strolled down to the hotel for lunch . This time his air as he walked was noticeably brisker and his eye decidedly brighter . About three o'clock that afternoon came a ring at the front door bell of Mr. Simon Rattar 's commodious villa . Mary MacLean declared afterwards that she had a presentiment when she heard it , but then the poor girl had been rather troubled with presentiments lately . When she opened the front door she saw a particularly polite and agreeable looking gentleman adorned with that unmistakeable mark of fashion , a single eyeglass ; and the gentleman saw a pleasant looking but evidently high strung and nervous young woman . `` Is Mr. Simon Rattar at home ? ''