nine o'clock in the
morning
The sins of one generation are visited on another . A curse is upon me , and I can never hope for happiness . '' The sun rose , and shone broad and full over the barren moorland ; but it was several hours after sunrise before the man who took care of the ruins came to release the wretched prisoner . He picked up a scanty living by showing the tower to visitors , and he knew that no visitors were likely to come before nine o'clock in the morning . It was nearly nine when Honoria saw him approaching in the distance . It was after nine when he drew up the bridge , and came across it to the ruined fortress . `` You are free from this moment , Lady Eversleigh , '' said the surgeon , whose face looked horribly pale and worn in the broad sunlight .