three o'clock
` You are a gentleman , and no common assassin . How can you reconcile such an act as this with your honor , or with what sophistries quiet the stings of your conscience when time shall have shown you the sin of so unprovoked an onslaught ? ' '' ` It is not unprovoked , ' was the harsh and bitter reply . ` You promised to marry Mademoiselle de Fontaine , and yesterday , at three o'clock -- ah , I was there ! -- you formally renounced your claims . This is an insult that calls for blood , and blood it shall have . Twenty-four hours have elapsed less ten minutes , since you cast this slur upon a noble lady 's good name .