three o'clock
If these thoughts chafed and angered me at first , at least they served to animate and rouse my spirit . He who wants to rise in life must feel the sharp spur of a wrong , -- there is nothing like it to give vigor and energy to his motions . When I came to this conclusion , I did not wait long to put the feeling into action ; and it was thus -- But a new chapter of my life deserves a new chapter of my history . As regular as the day itself did I wait at the corner of Merrion Square , at three o'clock , the arrival of Captain De Courcy , who came punctual to the instant ; indeed , the clatter of the pony 's hoofs as he cantered along always announced the striking of the Post-office clock . To dismount , and fling me the bridle , with a short nod of the head in the direction he wished me to walk the animal , was the extent of recognition ever vouchsafed me ; and as I never ventured upon even a word with him , our intercourse was of the simplest possible kind . There was an impassive quietude about his pale cold features that awed me . I never saw him smile but once ; it was when the mare seized me by the shoulder , and tore with her teeth a great piece of my ragged coat away .