midnight
She commenced to pack a trunk . Flight was the only thing possible under the circumstances . Everybody supposed Mrs. Swinton to be locked in her room . The rector was attended by his daughter and the physicians , and lay in a state of collapse for many hours , causing considerable anxiety to the household ; but , toward midnight , he rallied and asked for his wife . Visitors were forbidden . The presence of Mrs. Swinton was not likely to have a soothing effect , and all emotion must be avoided . Nevertheless , under the peculiar circumstances , the physicians decided that she should be told of his asking for her , although she was not to be allowed to enter the sickroom .