three o’clock in the afternoon
I do n't think she knew anything after eight o'clock last night . She went off in a sleep . ' When the visitor had gone , Alice drove to the nearest telegraph office and despatched a message to her brother , giving the news and asking what should be done . By three o'clock in the afternoon no reply had yet arrived ; but shortly after Mr. Keene presented himself at the house . Alice had not seen him since her return . He bowed to her with extreme gravity , and spoke in a subdued voice . ` I grieve that I have lost time , Miss Mutimer .