about three o’clock
Amy tried to laugh , but a woman with a child in her arms has no keen relish for such jokes . ` I do n't talk to them about our affairs , ' she said . ` That 's best . ' She left home about three o'clock , the servant going with her to carry the child . At five a familiar knock sounded through the flat ; it was a heavy rap followed by half-a-dozen light ones , like a reverberating echo , the last stroke scarcely audible . Reardon laid down his book , but kept his pipe in his mouth , and went to the door . A tall , thin man stood there , with a slouch hat and long grey overcoat .