ten o'clock
What if there were shadowed places to go through first ? -- And a region of shadow Dolly surely knew she had entered now . She longed for her father to come home ; she wanted to consult with him about their arrangements , and so arrive at some certainty respecting what she had to do and expect . But Dolly knew that an early coming home was scarce to be hoped for ; and she providently roused her mother at ten o'clock , and persuaded her to go to bed . Then Dolly waited alone in truth , with not even her sleeping mother 's company ; very sad at heart , and clutching , as a lame man does his stick , at some of the words of comfort she knew . `` Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death , I will fear no evil ; for Thou art with me . '' The case was not quite so bad , nor so good , with her as that ; but the words were a strong staff to lean upon , nevertheless .