three o'clock in
   the afternoon
`` My sister expressed a wish that you might bury her . The minister of our parish , whither she will be carried , can not come . She will lie at -- . She died on Tuesday morning , and will be buried on Friday , or Saturday -LRB- whichever is most convenient to you -RRB- , at three o'clock in the afternoon . Please to send an answer by the bearer , to let me know whether you can comply with this request , `` From your unworthy servant , `` ELIZABETH W -- . '' I was much struck with the simple and earnest strain of devotion which this letter breathed . It was but indifferently written and spelt ; but this rather tended to endear the hitherto unknown writer , as it seemed characteristic of the union of humbleness of station with eminence of piety .