two o'clock in the morning
`` I -- I would prevent it at any cost . Once before you forsook me when I needed you most ; you left me to die when I fell from the steamer down into the dark water , when we were returning from Staten Island , that never-to-be-forgotten night ; so why should I be surprised at your willingness to desert me now ? '' He turned on his heel . `` It is now two o'clock in the morning , '' he said . `` My duty requires me to go down to the ball-room and bid the guests adieu as they take their departure , and when that is over I shall leave this house until this difficulty has been settled . The reading of Doctor Bryan 's will is to take place at noon . I shall be present then , and after that -- well -- well , we shall see what will take place . ''