Three hours after noon
She glanced at him , a question in her eyes , then looked away . `` When do you go ? '' she asked . `` Three hours after noon . My task is finished , my report -- which is to the effect that the Essenes are a most worthy and harmless people who deserve to be encouraged , not molested -- is written . Also I am called hence in haste by a messenger who reached me from Jerusalem an hour ago . Would you like to know why ? ''