two o'clock
He seemed to smile admiringly upon some enchanting vision , and he folded his two hands upon his bosom , in the attitude which his countrymen assume at the hour of prayer . After some instants of contemplation , he said : `` What o'clock is it ? '' -- but he asked this question of himself , rather than of any third person . `` It will soon be two o'clock , my lord , '' said Faringhea . Having heard this answer , Djalma seated himself , and hid his face in his hands , as if completely absorbed in some ineffable meditation . Urged on by his growing anxiety , and wishing at any cost to attract the attention of Djalma , Faringhea approached still nearer to him , and , almost certain of the effect of the words he was about to utter , said to him in a slow and emphatic voice : `` My lord , I am sure that you owe the happiness which now transports you to Mdlle . de Cardoville . ''