six o'clock
She preached a whole chapter to him in that parting benediction , talking a great deal longer than was in keeping with her prostrate state , and very much enjoying her dismal castle in the air . Employed in this sentimental manner , Miss Audley took very little notice of her step-mother , and the one hand of the blundering clock had slipped to six by the time Robert had been blessed and dismissed . `` Good gracious me ! '' she cried , suddenly -- `` six o'clock , and I 'm not dressed . '' The half-hour bell rung in a cupola upon the roof while Alicia was speaking . `` I must go in , my lady , '' she said . `` Wo n't you come ? ''