About eleven o'clock
For a long , long time after , Ellen sat in dreamy , sad abstraction , holding her babe to her breast . From this state , a sense of duty roused her , and laying her infant on the bed , -- for they had not yet been able to spare money for a cradle , -- she began to busy herself in her domestic duties . This brought some little relief . About eleven o'clock Jane came in with her usual cheerful , almost happy face , bringing in her hand a stout bundle . Her countenance changed in its expression to one of concern , the moment her eyes rested upon her sister 's face , and she laid her bundle on a chair quickly , as if she half desired to keep it out of Ellen 's sight . `` What is the matter , Ellen ? '' she asked , with tender concern , the moment she had closed the door .