twenty minutes past three
With an exclamation the lady of the cloak got up and peered out of the window , chatted with waiters , and then removed herself and her cloak to the next table , where she was received with amiable sympathy by the three lorettes , Chirac , and the other two men . The party surreptitiously examined Sophia from time to time . Then Chirac went outside with the head-waiter , returned , consulted with his friends , and finally approached Sophia . It was twenty minutes past three . He renewed his magnificent bow . `` Madame , '' he said carefully , `` will you allow me to bring you to your hotel ? '' He made no reference to Gerald , partly , doubtless , because his English was treacherous on difficult ground .