three o'clock
There was some active intelligence behind that ceaseless sound ; and some stress or need behind the intelligence . I was not altogether selfish , and at the thought of someone 's need I was , without premeditation , out of bed . Instinctively I looked at my watch . It was just three o'clock ; there was a faint edging of grey round the green blind which darkened my room . It was evident that the knocking and ringing were at the door of our own house ; and it was evident , too , that there was no one awake to answer the call . I slipped on my dressing-gown and slippers , and went down to the hall door . When I opened it there stood a dapper groom , with one hand pressed unflinchingly on the electric bell whilst with the other he raised a ceaseless clangour with the knocker .