five o'clock
There is no need to detail the magic that followed upon that simple action . The world -- even his own Paris -- has never heard of M. Lucien Cartel , and cares not to know of the pieces that he played , the degree of his technique , the truth of his interpretation ; but when at last the hand that held the violin dropped to his side and , lifting his right arm , he wiped his damp forehead with the sleeve of his coat , the faces of his audience were pale as the faces of those who have looked upon hidden places , and in the eyes of the little Jacqueline there were tears . A moment of silence ; then M. Cartel laid down his violin and laughed . The laugh broke the spell : Jacqueline , with a childish cry of excitement , flew across the room and , throwing her arms about his neck , kissed him with unashamed fervor ; Blake and Max pressed round the piano , and in an instant the room was humming again to the sound of voices , and some one made the astounding discovery that it was five o'clock . This was Blake 's opportunity -- the opportunity loved beyond all others of the Irishman , when it is permissible to offer hospitality . The idea came to him as an inspiration , and was seized upon as such . Eager as a boy , he laid one hand on Max 's shoulder , the other on that of M. Cartel .