five o'clock
But I was ill , it was not exactly passion . And I was very near death ; I had a narrow escape , doctor ? '' `` Yes , I think I can call it a narrow escape . '' The voices ceased , -- five o'clock , -- the curtains were rosy with lamp light , and conscience awoke in the langours of convalescent hours . `` I stood on the verge of death ! '' The whisper died away . John was still very weak , and he had not strength to think with much insistance , but now and then remembrance surprised him suddenly like pain ; it came unexpectedly , he knew not whence nor how , but he could not choose but listen .