the hour of nine
The howling of the storm , together with the ghostly silence of the many-peopled room excited her imagination and quickened her fears . But weariness and perfect physical relaxation overcame exhausted nerves , and at last the lady slept . -LSB- Illustration -RSB- So sound was Elinor Marshall 's sleep that when she awoke the old clock behind the door was celebrating , with its usual music , the hour of nine . From the fury of the rain upon the roof and the sheets of water coursing down the little panes of the window in her chamber , it seemed as if a deluge had arrived . And upon opening the front door she stepped hastily back to avoid the water from the roof and the spattering from the doorstep . But Solomon was not afraid .