four hours
after noon
Only for one thing did she entreat the gods ; for strength to forget the man who had betrayed her into losing her peace of mind . But just as swift clouds float across the sky , distracting the labors of the star-gazer , who is striving to observe some remote planet -- as the clatter of the street interrupts again and again some sweet song we fain would hear , marring it with its harsh discords -- so again and again the image of the young Roman came across Klea 's prayers for release from that very thought , and at last it seemed to her that she was like a man who strives to raise a block of stone by the exertion of his utmost strength , and who weary at last of lifting the stone is crushed to the earth by its weight ; still she felt that , in spite of all her prayers and efforts , the enemy she strove to keep off only came nearer , and instead of flying from her , overmastered her soul with a grasp from which she could not escape . Finally she gave up the unavailing struggle , cooled her burning face with cold water , and tightened the straps of her sandals to go to the temple ; near the god himself she hoped she might in some degree recover the peace she could not find here . Just at the door she met Irene , who told her that the singing-practice was put off , on account of the procession which was fixed for four hours after noon . And as Klea went towards the temple her sister called after her . `` Do not stay too long though , water will be wanted again directly for the libations . '' `` Then will you go alone to the work ? ''