five o'clock
. The heels have been amputated from a large number of white satin slippers , preparatory to their being thrown after us . The school-children have had their last practice at the marriage-hymn . I have resolved to rise at five o'clock on my wedding-morning , so as to make a last gloomy progress round every bird and beast and gooseberry-bush on the premises . I have exacted -- binding her by many stringent oaths -- a solemn promise from Barbara to make me , if I do not do so of my own accord , at the appointed hour . I am sunk in heavy sleep , and wake only very gradually , to find her , in conformity with her engagements , giving my shoulder reluctant and gentle pushes , and softly calling me . `` Is it five ? ''