About three o'clock
Heigho , thought I , when shall I ever find out who is my father ? I dressed and went out , met Harcourt , dined with him , and on my return the major had not come home . It was then past midnight , and feeling little inclination to sleep , I remained in the drawing-room , waiting for his arrival . About three o'clock he came in , flushed in the face , and apparently in high good humour . `` Newland , '' said he , throwing his pocket-book on the table , `` just open that , and then you will open your eyes . '' I obeyed him , and to my surprise took out a bundle of bank notes ; I counted up their value , and they amounted to 3500 pounds . `` You have been fortunate , indeed . ''