three
in the morning
I was provided with a respectable outfit and with detailed instructions as to correct behaviour in a lady 's house . Theodor Izelin 's wife was a charming woman . Everything was arranged ; but who could reckon on Paragot ? On the night before his departure -- indeed it must have been two or three in the morning -- Paragot burst into my little attic bedroom , candle in hand , and before I had time to rub my startled eyes , sat down on the bed and began to speak . `` My son , '' said he , `` I have had an inspiration ! '' Who but Paragot would have awakened a boy at two or three in the morning to announce an inspiration ? And who but Paragot would alter the course of human lives on the flash of an impulse ?