four o’clock
All the papers pass through my hands , and nobody could know more than I know myself . Besides , if I had entertained the slightest doubt of any machination , I should have endeavored to requite your kindness by warning you . '' She no longer listened to him , however ; in fact , she was anxious to get rid of him , for all at once the long-threatening rain had begun to fall violently , lashing the glass roof . So dark a mass of clouds had overspread the sky that it was almost night in the gallery , though four o'clock had scarcely struck . And it occurred to Constance that in presence of such a deluge the three men would certainly take a cab . So she hastened her steps , still followed , however , by the accountant . `` For instance , '' he continued , `` when it was a question of drawing up the agreement -- '' But he suddenly paused , gave vent to a hoarse exclamation , and stopped her , pulling her back as if in terror .