four o'clock
His face paled under the deep bronze of his skin ; she could hear how fast his breath came and went . But he neither looked at her nor spoke ; only with a low bow he signified his assent to her invitation . Then he laid his hand upon the great hasp of antique hammered ironwork that fastened the door , and threw it back with a clang . `` At four o'clock , '' she added hastily . He bowed again without looking up ; but as he passed through the open doorway , he drew himself erect , turned full towards her , hat in hand , and gave her one glance of farewell . He saw the gaze of troubled inquiry which the strange significance of his expression not unnaturally provoked . For his face bore witness to the sudden flash of inspiration that shot across the brooding darkness of his soul .