three o'clock
`` You can do so this very afternoon , if you wish . Thursday is her reception day , '' said the notary , rising with a bow , preparatory to taking his leave . `` I shall take good care not to fail to call , '' earnestly replied the fair Lady Bountiful . She telephoned immediately to her head-groom , ordering ham to bring around her brougham at three o'clock . At the same hour that the elegant carriage of Zibeline was conducting her to the Hotel de Montgeron , M. Desvanneaux descended from a modest fiacre at the gate of the hotel occupied by Eugenie Gontier . The first impulse of the actress -- who was engaged in studying a new role in her library -- was not to receive her importunate visitor ; but a sudden idea changed her determination , and she gave the order to admit him . `` This is the first time that I have had the high favor of being admitted to this sanctuary , '' said the churchwarden , kissing with ardor the hand that the actress extended to him .