ten o'clock before
If so , what will be her sensations on finding that the handwriting is utterly unlike that in which all her letters had come to her . Abbot tears it into shreds , and contents himself with a message , saying that he is compelled to see the adjutant-general on immediate business , but will soon be with them . It is true that the adjutant-general has business with Major Abbot , but it is some time before audience is obtained . There is still a whirl of excitement over Stuart 's movements , and it is ten o'clock before the young officer is able to see his chief . The general is courteous , but a trifle formal and cold . Staff officers , he says , are now urgently needed , and he desires to know how soon the major will feel able to resume duty . `` At once , sir , '' is the answer .