four o'clock
Sir Adrian of course is the one toward whom all eyes -- and some very jealous ones -- are directed . But his duties as host compel him , sorely against his will , to draw back a little from the proffered honor , and to consult the wishes of his guests rather than his own . Miss Delmaine herself has laughingly declined to make any choice of a stage lover , so that , up to the present moment , matters are still in such a state of confusion and uncertainty that they have been unable to name any date for the production of their play . It is four o'clock , and they are all standing or sitting in the library , intent as usual in discussing the difficulty . They are all talking together , and , in the excitement that prevails , no one hears the door open , or the footman 's calm , introduction of a gentleman , who now comes leisurely up to where Sir Adrian is standing , leaning over Florence Delmaine 's chair . He is a tall man of about thirty-five , with a dark face and dark eyes , and , withal , a slight resemblance to Sir Adrian . `` Ah , Arthur , is it you ! ''