about three o'clock
Mr. Layton , although strict to severity in the school-room , was a kind-hearted man and was fond of the Ribsam children , for they were bright , cheerful , and obedient , and never gave him any trouble , as did some of his other pupils . He listened to Nick 's story , and his sympathy was aroused at once . `` I am very sorry , '' said he , `` that your good father and mother , not to mention yourself , should be so sorely troubled ; but I hope this is not serious . Nellie came to me about three o'clock and asked whether I would let her go home . '' `` Was she sick ? '' asked the distressed brother . `` Not at all ; but she said you had gone to Dunbarton in your carriage and she wanted to meet you coming back .