about ten o'clock
Not a star was in the sky ; but an undefinable gleaming brought into notice dark masses of torn clouds , which sped along as if in rags . The nightlight would not burn ; its flickering flame struggled with the shadows which danced incessantly over the bed and the walls . The ivy wreath hung opposite me , looking black and jagged like a crown of thorns . `` It was about ten o'clock when Martha commenced to be delirious . `` She raised herself up in bed and said in a clear , audible voice , ` I must really get up now -- it is too bad ! ' `` At first joy suffused my face , for I thought she had regained consciousness . ` Martha ! '