three o'clock
Gramarye held a good hand -- undoubtedly : but there were other cards in the pack . The door opened noiselessly , and a fresh-faced nurse stole into the darkened room . Valerie and she exchanged whispers , and , after another glance at the silent figure upon the bed , the lady of Bell Hammer gave place to the professional and made her way slowly downstairs . * * * * * It was past three o'clock of a sullen March afternoon when Mr. Peter Every dismissed his parade . The men turned away listlessly , hollow-eyed . Only the little lame engineer said anything at all , and that was an inaudible communication to the three great sailors , whose hearing was gone . Gloomily the latter watched his fingers stumble over their rude translation of Every 's last words ... `` So there you are .