three o'clock in the afternoon
`` No , no , '' the girl replied hurriedly . `` I would rather be able to always take my oath on the holy relics that I know nothing about it . '' `` Very well , '' Malcolm replied ; `` then this afternoon I will call . '' Having hidden away under his doublet the suit of boy 's clothes , and with the tools of his trade in a small basket in his hand , Malcolm presented himself at three o'clock in the afternoon to the sentry at the door leading to the count 's apartments . The soldier glanced at the pass and permitted him to enter without remark . The waiting maid met him inside and conducted him upstairs , and ushered him into a spacious apartment , in which the count was lying on a couch , while the countess and Thekla sat at work beside him . She then retired and closed the door after her .