three o'clock in the morning
Under the table was a heap of rubbers and overshoes . While the doctor hung up his coat and hat , Peter Kronborg opened the door into the living-room . A glare of light greeted them , and a rush of hot , stale air , smelling of warming flannels . At three o'clock in the morning Dr. Archie was in the parlor putting on his cuffs and coat -- there was no spare bedroom in that house . Peter Kronborg 's seventh child , a boy , was being soothed and cosseted by his aunt , Mrs. Kronborg was asleep , and the doctor was going home . But he wanted first to speak to Kronborg , who , coatless and fluttery , was pouring coal into the kitchen stove . As the doctor crossed the dining-room he paused and listened .