the hour of
five
At the time it was thought of making an offering of all our family to the dauphine , the idea of working the handkerchiefs was entertained , and some designs of exquisite beauty and neatness had been prepared . They were not simple , vulgar , unmeaning ornaments , such as the uncultivated seize upon with avidity on account of their florid appearance , but well devised drawings , that were replete with taste and thought , and afforded some apology for the otherwise senseless luxury contemplated , by aiding in refining the imagination , and cultivating the intellect . She had chosen one of the simplest and most beautiful of these designs , intending to transfer it to my face , by means of the needle . The first stitch was made just as the clocks were striking the hour of five , on the morning of the fourteenth of April , 1831 . The last was drawn that day two months , precisely as the same clocks struck twelve . For four hours Adrienne sat bending over her toil , deeply engrossed in the occupation , and flattering herself with the fruits of her success . I learned much of the excellent child 's true character in these brief hours .