three o'clock
His beautiful apartments were unused , his carriage and horses unemployed , his books unread , his papers unopened , his meals untasted , and his clothes unworn . He had lost all enjoyment of life , and contemplated suicide . Saturday night arrived , and he resolved on Sunday morning early , before the busy populace were stirring , he would make his way to Waterloo bridge and jump into the river , or tumble off . At three o'clock , he set out on his final expedition , and had nearly reached the bridge , the shadows of the night protecting him from observation , when a figure stood before him . Amazed at being seen by any one , he turned out of the path , when the figure crouching low before him , revealed a tattered , miserable man , baring his head in abjectness . `` What are you doing here ? '' inquired the retired merchant .