eleven o'clock
At first the branches had been utterly bare , and beyond their reticulation had been visible the rosy façade of a new Board-school . But now the branches were rich with leafage , hiding most of the Board-school , so that only a large upper window of it could be seen . This window , upon which the sun glinted dazzlingly , threw back the rays on to Hilda 's bed , giving her for a few moments the illusion of direct sunlight . The hour was eleven o'clock . On the night-table lay a tea-tray in disorder , and on the turned-down sheet some crumbs of toast . A low , nervous tap at the door caused Hilda to stir in the bed . Sarah Gailey entered hurriedly .