four o'clock
After another glance at the timepiece , she let her needlework fall on her lap and turned towards the basilica . It seemed to her that she had only enough strength left to wait ; and she remained with her eyes fixed on the huge walls and the forest of scaffolding which rose over yonder with such triumphant pride under the blue sky . Then all at once , however brave and firm she might be , she could not restrain a start , for `` La Savoyarde '' had raised a joyful clang . The consecration of the Host was now at hand , the ten thousand pilgrims filled the church , four o'clock was about to strike . And thereupon an irresistible impulse forced the old lady to her feet ; she drew herself up , quivering , her hands clasped , her eyes ever turned yonder , waiting in mute dread . `` What is the matter ? '' cried Thomas , who noticed her .