three o'clock
Of course you are sincere . Who ever doubted it ? Nay , to blush like that is enough to spoil the finest compliment in the world . There -- it is three o'clock , and at half-past I have an engagement , for which I must now make my _ toilette _ . Come to-morrow evening to my box at the _ Italiens _ , and so adieu . Stay -- being my _ cavaliere _ , I permit you , at parting , to kiss my hand . '' Trembling , breathless , scarcely daring to touch it with mine , I lifted the soft little hand to my lips , stammered something which was , no doubt , sufficiently foolish , and hurried away , as if I were treading on air and breathing sunshine .