twelve o'clock
He could not help thinking of his father 's sick-bed in those midnight hours , and of all the melancholy array of lost years which had made him no longer `` a gentleman , as he used to be , '' but a skulking vagabond in his native place ; and his penitence lasted till after he had had his breakfast and Mr Wentworth was gone . Then perhaps the other side of the question recurred to his mind , and he began to think that if his father died there might be no need for his banishment ; but Mr Wentworth knew nothing of this change in his _ protégé 's _ sentiments , as he went quickly up Grange Lane . Wharfside and all the district had lain neglected for three long days , as the Curate was aware , and he had promised to call at No. 10 Prickett 's Lane , and to look after the little orphan children whom Lucy had taken charge of . His occupations , in short , both public and private , were overpowering , and he could not tell how he was to get through them ; for , in addition to everything else , it was Friday , and there was a litany service at twelve o'clock at St Roque 's . So the young priest had little time to lose as he hurried up once again to Mr Wodehouse 's green door . It was Miss Wodehouse who came to meet the Curate as soon as his presence was known in the house -- Miss Wodehouse , and not Lucy , who made way for her sister to pass her , and took no notice of Mr Wentworth 's name . The elder sister entered very hurriedly the little parlour down-stairs , and shut the door fast , and came up to him with an anxious inquiring face .