two o'clock
Farraday himself , the efficient , the concentrated , sat absent-mindedly reading the papers , or drumming a slow , ceaseless tap with his fingers upon the desk . The general gloom was enhanced by their knowledge that Mac , their dear absurd Mac , was going . But they were all proud of him . By two o'clock Farraday had read all the news twice over , and Adolph 's letter three times . Telephoning for his car to meet him , he left the office and caught an early afternoon train home . He drove straight to the Byrdsnest and found Mary alone in the sitting room . She rose swiftly and pressed his hand : `` Oh , my dear friend , '' she murmured , `` is n't it terrible ? ''