five o'clock
said Polly , with a face of brass . Sir Charles thought this very odd , and felt a little uneasy about it . All to Portman Square he puzzled over it ; and at last he was driven to the conclusion that Miss Somerset had been weak enough to tell some person , male or female , of the coming interview , and so somebody had called there -- doubtless to ask him a favor . At five o'clock he reached Portman Square , and was about to enter , as a matter of course ; but the footman stopped him . `` I beg pardon , Sir Charles , '' said the man , looking pale and agitated ; `` but I have strict orders . My young lady is very ill . '' `` Ill !