nearly one o'clock
There was deep thankfulness in the mother 's heart as she watched over her child restored to her love and protection , but there was sadness too , and some fear of the future , which was not entirely in her hands . Cicely was soon asleep . Mrs. Clinton gently disengaged the hand she had been holding , stood for a time looking down upon her , fondly but rather sadly , and crept out of the room . It was nearly one o'clock , so long had their confidences lasted , but as she came downstairs , for Cicely 's room was on the second floor , Walter came out of his bedroom dressed to go out . `` Hullo , mother ! '' he said . `` Not in bed yet !