two o'clock
She had dreamed of making the great four-post , state bed , with the dark green damask curtains -- a dream that betokened some coming trouble -- it might , to be sure , be ever so small -- -LRB- it had once come with no worse result than Dr. Walsingham 's dropping his purse , containing something under a guinea in silver , over the side of the ferry boat -RRB- -- but again it might be tremendous . The omen hung over them doubtful . A large square letter , with a great round seal , as big as a crown piece , addressed to the Rev. Hugh Walsingham , Doctor of Divinity , at his house , by the bridge , in Chapelizod , had reached him in the morning , and plainly troubled him . He kept the messenger a good hour awaiting his answer ; and , just at two o'clock , the same messenger returned with a second letter -- but this time a note sufficed for reply . `` Twill seem ungracious , ' said the doctor , knitting his brows over his closed folio in the study ; ` but I can not choose but walk clear in my calling before the Lord . How can I honestly pronounce hope , when in my mind there is nothing but _ fear _ -- let another do it if he see his way -- I do enough in being present , as 't is right I should . ' It was , indeed , a remarkably dark night -- a rush and downpour of rain !