three o'clock
I did not know whether to resent this language or pursue my explanation ; but he seemed so powerfully affected that I took pity and proceeded with my dreams ; affirming I had never heard the appellation of ` Catherine Linton ' before , but reading it often over produced an impression which personified itself when I had no longer my imagination under control . Heathcliff gradually fell back into the shelter of the bed , as I spoke ; finally sitting down almost concealed behind it . I guessed , however , by his irregular and intercepted breathing , that he struggled to vanquish an excess of violent emotion . Not liking to show him that I had heard the conflict , I continued my toilette rather noisily , looked at my watch , and soliloquised on the length of the night : ` Not three o'clock yet ! I could have taken oath it had been six . Time stagnates here : we must surely have retired to rest at eight ! ' ` Always at nine in winter , and rise at four , ' said my host , suppressing a groan : and , as I fancied , by the motion of his arm 's shadow , dashing a tear from his eyes .