five o'clock
Reflect upon this , Francisco : it is advice which I , as an old -- indeed , the oldest friend of your family -- take the liberty to offer . '' With these words , the venerable physician wrung the hands of the brother and sister , and hurried from the house , followed by the priest . The orphans embraced each other , and retired to their respective apartments . The room to which Nisida withdrew , between four and five o'clock on that mournful winter 's morning , was one of a suit entirely appropriated to her own use . This suit consisted of three apartments , communicating with each other , and all furnished in the elegant and tasteful manner of that age . The innermost of the three rooms was used as her bed-chamber , and when she now entered it , a young girl of seventeen , beautiful as an angel , but dressed in the attire of a dependent , instantly arose from a seat near the fire that blazed on the hearth , and cast a respectful but inquiring glance toward her mistress . Nisida gave her to understand , by a sign , that all was over .