nearly eleven o'clock
She had wanted to steal into the nursery , and see that her boy was asleep , to feel his little forehead with her soft hand , and make sure there was no fever . To be betrayed into a prolonged and agitating discussion now was very provoking , very undesirable ; and Lucy had grown rather cowardly and anxious to push away from her , as far as she could , everything that did not belong to the moment . `` Tom , '' she said , a little tremulously , `` I wish you would put it off till to-morrow . I am -- rather sleepy ; it is nearly eleven o'clock , and I always run in to see how little Tom is going on . Besides , '' she added , with a little anxiety which was quite fictitious , `` it is keeping Fletcher up -- '' `` I am not afraid of Fletcher , Lucy . '' `` Oh ! but I am , '' she said .