the hour
of three
` Feel my temples , they are cool ; lay your finger to my pulse , its throb is slow and temperate . I never was more perfectly in health , and yet do I know that ere three hours be past , I shall be no more . ' ` Sir , sir , ' said she , a good deal startled , but wishing to conceal the impression which the calm solemnity of his manner had , in her own despite , made upon her , ` Sir , you should not jest ; you should not even speak lightly upon such subjects . You trifle with what is sacred -- you are sporting with the best affections of your wife -- ' ` Stay , my good lady , ' said he ; ` if when this clock shall strike the hour of three , I shall be anything but a helpless clod , then upbraid me . Pray return now to your sister . Lady Ardagh is , indeed , much to be pitied ; but what is past can not now be helped . I have now a few papers to arrange , and some to destroy .