nearly three o'clock
Who 's the author , Beauchamp ? '' `` The production is attributed to M. Dantès , the Deputy from Marseilles , with what truth I know not ; but he is fully capable of composing such a drama . To-morrow night , it is supposed , the author , whoever he may be , will be compelled by the people to appear and claim the laurels ready to be showered on him in such profusion . But it is nearly three o'clock , '' continued Beauchamp , `` and M. Dantès is expected to speak in the early part of the sitting . '' `` To the Chamber , then , '' said the others , and the trio mingled with the crowd hurrying in the same direction . `` What a glorious thing is popularity ! '' exclaimed the Count .