seven o'clock
Bertha looked amused . Arrangements had been made that Mrs. Nigel Hillier was to have a little dinner at home for her mother -LRB- with whom Nigel was not supposed to be on terms -RRB- ; and she and her parent were to go to the St. James 's Theatre , for which two stalls had been purchased . Nigel pretended he was dining with an old friend at the club . Coming in brightly , but , as usual , losing half his personality in the hall , he found Mary at seven o'clock sitting in the little boudoir , in the usual arm-chair , looking our for him , not , apparently , thinking of dressing for dinner . `` Hallo , Mary ! '' he said . `` Had n't you better get ready for your mother ? ''