three o'clock
She knew too well the sufferings and anxieties his straitened fortune cost him , she witnessed but too often the half-desperation in which he would pass days , borne down and almost broken-hearted ! and she had witnessed that outbreak of joy he would indulge in when an unexpected help had suddenly lifted him from the depth of his poverty . To be the messenger of such good tidings to be associated in his mind with this assistance , to win his fervent `` God bless you ! '' she would have put life itself in peril ; and when Jekyl placed so palpably before her the promptitude with which the act could be accomplished , all hesitation ceased , and she promised to be punctual at the appointed place by three o'clock that same afternoon . `` It is too early to expect to see Lady Hester , '' said Jekyl ; `` and indeed , my real business here this morning was with yourself , so that now I shall drive out to Midchekoff 's and make all the arrangements about the villa . Till three , then , good-bye ! '' `` Good-bye , '' said Kate , for the first time disposed to feel warmly to the little man , and half reproach herself with some of the prejudices she used to entertain regarding him .