four o'clock
It is well to remember , he may return ... to-night . '' Desiree went towards the door while Mathilde laid aside the delicate needlework which seemed to absorb her mind and employ her fingers from morning till night . She made a movement as if to accompany her sister , but Desiree shook her head sharply and Mathilde remained where she was , leaving Desiree to go upstairs alone . The day was already drawing to its long twilight , and at four o'clock the night came . Sebastian went out as usual , though he had caught cold . But Mathilde stayed at home . Desiree sent Lisa to the shops in the Langenmarkt , which is the centre of business and gossip in Dantzig .