a quarter to ten
It was not he , but Mrs. Durant , the companion and house-keeper , who first received a word of warning that things were not altogether as they should be . Others beside Lesley were scenting calamity in the air . Mrs. Romaine was to form one of the wedding-party . She made her appearance at a quarter to ten , beautifully dressed , but white to the very lips , and with a haggard look about her eyes . As soon as she entered the house she drew Mrs. Durant aside . `` Has Oliver been sleeping here ? '' she asked . ''