nine o'clock
She started up , and found that it was morning . Then she recollected bolting her door , and sprung out of bed to undo it , but was reminded at once that she had a spine . She had quite recovered from the effects of her illness , but over-fatigue always brought back the old pain , and warned her that she must be more careful in the future . The house maid seemed a little surprised not to find her up and dressed as usual , for Erica generally got through an hour 's writing before the nine o'clock breakfast . `` Are you ill , miss ? '' she asked , glancing at the face which seemed almost as colorless as the pillow . `` Only very tired , thank you , '' said Erica , glad enough today of the cup of tea and the thin bread and butter which before had seemed to her such an absurd luxury .