about two in the
afternoon
I never want to have brain fever again -- at least , not until I have conquered myself . When I was once more rational , I resolved that a miner 's life was too rough for me ; and , as soon as I could be bolstered up in a corner of the coach , I set out to reach the railroad , where I was to take a palace-car for home . I gained strength rapidly during the change and excitement of the journey ; so that , the day before we were to reach Chicago , I no longer remained prone in my berth , but , `` clothed and in my right mind , '' took my seat with the other passengers , looked about and tried to forget the past and to enjoy myself . At first , I had a seat to myself ; but , at one of the stations , about two in the afternoon , a lady , dressed in deep black , and wearing a heavy crepe veil , which concealed her face , entered our car , and slipped quietly in to the vacant half of my seat . She sat quite motionless , with her veil down . Every few moments a long , tremulous , heart-broken sigh stirred this sable curtain which shut in my companion 's face . I felt a deep sympathy for her , whoever she might be , old or young , pretty or ugly .