nearly three o'clock
`` But , David , that was what I said . I said it would be bad for you ; she says it will ruin you -- '' `` It is a lie ! '' he said . It was nearly three o'clock . They were all at the breaking-point of anger and terror . `` Elizabeth , '' Helena Richie implored , `` if you love him , are you willing to destroy him ? You could not bear to have me , his mother , speak of his dishonor ; how about letting the world speak of it -- if you love him ? ''