nearly one
in the morning
There was a moment 's silence , which the old man interrupted -- `` You are a suspicious and headstrong boy , '' he said to him , `` who , through a false feeling of honour , risk losing an opportunity which you will probably never find again . '' `` I will run the risk ; I wish to be frank with you ; I only know you from very ill reports ; your reputation is execrable , and nothing proves to me that , under the pretext of serving me , you may not be laying a snare for me . '' The old man 's pale face was covered by a sudden flush at these rude words , a nervous tremor agitated all his limbs ; but , by a violent effort , he succeeded in mastering the emotion he experienced , and after a few minutes , he replied in a calm voice , in which , however , there remained some traces of the tempest that growled hoarsely in his heart -- `` I forgive you , '' he said ; `` you had a right to speak to me as you did , and I can not be angry with you . Time is slipping away , it is nearly one in the morning ; it will soon be too late to execute the bold plan I have formed ; I will therefore only add one word -- reflect before answering me , for on that answer my resolution , depends . The motive that urges me to offer to introduce you to the hacienda is quite personal , and in no way affects or concerns you . '' `` But what guarantee can you offer me on the sincerity of your intentions ? '' The old man walked a step forward , drew himself up to his full height , stamped with an accent of supreme majesty -- `` My word , the word of a man who , whatever may be said about him , has never failed in what he owes himself ; I swear to you on my honour , before that God in whose presence you and I will probably soon appear , that my intentions are pure and loyal , without any thought of treachery .