nearly four o'clock
`` Why , it 's hard work . They fight and push for the sake of a few hours spent in a crowded , poisoned room ; and there 's no prophet to rise up and proclaim it madness . '' `` No , '' laughed Vermont cynically ; `` prophets nowadays have no liking for being stoned ; and , after all , life would be unendurable , were it not for its pleasures . Let me remind you that it is nearly four o'clock , and you are due at Lord Standon 's rooms . '' With a sigh Leroy turned and jumped into the motor , followed by his faithful squire ; and the powerful car hooted its way through the twilight of the dawn . They reached Lord Standon 's chambers , to find the finish of a theatre party . The room was filled with beautiful women , mostly stars of the musical comedy stage , including Ada Lester , who was evidently on her best behaviour .