midnight
Clara , unaccustomed to go to bed at so early an hour , could not sleep : the past would recur to her . Against all rule she thought of Harry and the way she had treated him ; then she remembered all must be given up for the sake of following Christ -- but was she following Him by entering a convent ? The conflict was severe ; she burst into tears , and sobbed as if her heart would break . Hour after hour went by , sleep refusing to visit her eyelids , till , long after midnight , thoroughly worn out , she sobbed herself into forgetfulness . The convent clock was striking three when a Sister entered her cell and summoned her to rise and repair to the chapel . Hastily dressing , she followed her conductress , who had remained to assist her . She there found all the nuns assembled , and for four hours they remained repeating prayers and chanting alternately , till Dr Catton entered , and after going through a service , administered the Holy Communion , giving the wafer instead of bread , and wine mixed with water .