about two o'clock
while one eye wandered to the unopened letter that was signed ` Albinia Minks , with heartfelt gratitude . ' ` And , by the by , Minks , ' said his master , turning as though a new idea had suddenly struck him and he had formed a hasty plan , ` you might kindly look up an afternoon train to Crayfield . Loop line from Charing Cross , you know . Somewhere about two o'clock or so . I have to -- er -- I think I 'll run down that way after luncheon . ' Whereupon , having done this last commission , and written it down upon a sheet of paper which he placed with care against the clock , beside the unopened letter , the session closed , and Minks , in his mourning hat and lavender gloves , walked up St. James 's Street apparently _ en route _ for the Ritz , but suddenly , as with careless unconsciousness , turning into an A.B.C. Depot for luncheon , well pleased with himself and with the world , but especially with his considerate employer . Ten minutes later Mr. Rogers followed him on his way to the club , and just when Minks was reflecting with pride of the well-turned phrases he had dictated to his wife for her letter of thanks , it passed across the mind of its recipient that he had forgotten to read it altogether .