three o'clock
A week passed . On Friday , Piers said to himself that to-morrow he would go in the afternoon to Campden Hill , on the chance of finding his friends at home . On Saturday morning the post brought him a letter which he saw to be from Mrs. Hannaford , and he opened it with pleasant anticipation ; but instead of the friendly lines he expected he found a note of agitated appeal . The writer entreated him to come and see her exactly at three o'clock ; she was in very grave trouble , had the most urgent need of him . Three o'clock ; neither sooner or later ; if he could possibly find time . If he could not come , would he telegraph an appointment for her at his office ? With perfect punctuality , he arrived at the house , and in the drawing-room found Mrs. Hannaford awaiting him .