four in the morning
Mark did not trouble himself even to inquire for his stepmother , but went out to the stable and lounged about until bedtime . He seemed very much bored , and so expressed himself . Frank wished to sit up all night with his mother , but , as she had a professional nurse , it was thought best that he should obtain his regular rest , the nurse promising to call the family if any change should be apparent in her patient 's condition . About half-past four in the morning there was a summons . `` Mrs. Manning is worse , '' said the nurse . `` I do n't think she can last long . '' One last glance of love -- though she could no longer speak -- assured Frank that she knew him and loved him to the last .