eight o'clock in
the morning
And he stood with his hand on the door as he answered her . `` And what did you say to her ? '' `` Nothing particular . Good heavens , mother , do you think that a man is in a condition to talk about such stuff as that at eight o'clock in the morning , when he has been up all night ? '' `` If you knew all that I suffer on your behalf you would speak a word to me , '' she said , imploring him , holding him by the arm , and looking into his purple face and bloodshot eyes . She was sure that he had been drinking . She could smell it in his breath .