nine o'clock
But do n't worry , good mother , I am as safe as a man can be . I have a round million in my safe ready for an emergency . '' The wife knew just where her husband stood that night . At nine o'clock , Edith was talking earnestly with Mrs. Ranger , whom she had expressed a wish to see . There were a few other people present of the very highest social standing , and intimate friends of the family , for her kind entertainers would not expose her to any strange and unsympathetic eyes . Annie was flitting about , the very spirit of innocent mischief and match-making , gloating over the pleasure she expected to give Edith . The bell rang , and a moment later she marshalled in Gus Elliot , as handsome and exquisitely dressed as ever .