five o'clock
Two o'clock in the morning saw him sitting half-dressed at the table , raging over the difficulties of a composition which should express his highest self . Four o'clock saw the blotched letter torn into fragments . He could not write as he wished , could not hit the tone of manly appeal . At five o'clock he turned wretchedly into bed again . A day of racking headache ; then the long restful sleep which brings good counsel . It was well that he had not sent a letter , nor in any other way committed himself . If Sidwell were ever to be his wife , the end could only be won by heroic caution and patience .