About six o'clock
On that night no person slept in Denis O'Shaughnessy 's , except our hero , and his mother and sisters . As morning approached a heaviness of spirits prevailed among the family , which of course was not felt by any except his immediate relations . The more distant friends , who remained with them for the night , sang and plied the bottle with a steadiness which prevented them from feeling the want of rest . About six o'clock , breakfast was ready , Denis dressed , and every arrangement made for his immediate departure . His parents -- his brothers , and his sisters were all in tears , and he himself could master his emotions with great difficulty . At length the hour to which the family of our candidate had long looked forward , arrived , and Denis rose to depart for Maynooth . Except by the sobs and weeping , the silence was unbroken when he stood up to bid them farewell .