three o’clock
He thought it more than probable that Urbain de Bellegarde would give no sign ; for an answer to his challenge , in either sense , would be a confession of guilt . What he most expected was silence -- in other words defiance . But he prayed that , as he imagined it , his shot might bring them down . It did bring , by three o'clock , a note , delivered by a footman ; a note addressed in Urbain de Bellegarde 's handsome English hand . It ran as follows : -- `` I can not deny myself the satisfaction of letting you know that I return to Paris , to-morrow , with my mother , in order that we may see my sister and confirm her in the resolution which is the most effectual reply to your audacious pertinacity . `` HENRI-URBAIN DE BELLEGARDE . '' Newman put the letter into his pocket , and continued his walk up and down the inn-parlor .