nine
o'clock
It seemed to Kent that Cardigan gave an almost imperceptible emphasis to the word `` soon , '' but he asked no question . He was quite sure that he understood , and he knew how unpleasant for Cardigan the answer to it would be . He fumbled under his pillow for his watch . It was nine o'clock . Cardigan was moving about uneasily , arranging the things on the table and adjusting the shade at the window . For a few moments , with his back to Kent , he stood without moving . Then he turned , and said : `` Which will you have , Kent -- a wash-up and breakfast , or a visitor ? ''