six o'clock
Althea breathed a sigh of relief as she found herself thus unexpectedly left alone for the day . She would surely avail herself of the permission , command rather , to go to St. Mary 's . She had not slept , nor felt need of sleep ; she had never been so wide awake ; indeed , it was as if she were just awakened from a life-long slumber . While still meditating upon her pillow , the six o'clock bell rang ; this reminded her that Mass had been appointed for that hour . She would go . She dressed hurriedly , and proceeding to the kitchen , told Mary , who was a Catholic , that she might postpone breakfast , and come with her to Mass. . Mary looked up with a pleased surprise and cheerful `` Yes ma'am , '' and was soon in readiness .