three o'clock
`` I wanted you to help me to get even with Curtis , '' he replied regretfully . His tone was somewhat reminiscent of a rueful schoolboy . Despite himself Antony smiled . `` I ordered him to come here at three o'clock , '' went on Nicholas , glancing at the clock which wanted only five minutes of the hour . `` I wanted to give him his _ congé _ , and introduce him to the new agent at the same moment . He believes firmly in my demise , by the way , which would certainly have added zest to the business . And now -- well , it will be a pretty flat sort of compromise , that 's all . ''