five o'clock
She found , however , on reaching home , that the hour was still early enough for her to sit down and rest a few minutes before putting her plan into execution . The delay did not perceptibly weaken her resolve . She was frightened and yet stimulated by the reserved force of resolution which she felt within herself : she saw it was going to be easier , a great deal easier , than she had imagined . At five o'clock she rose , unlocked her trunk , and took out a sealed packet which she slipped into the bosom of her dress . Even the contact with the packet did not shake her nerves as she had half-expected it would . She seemed encased in a strong armour of indifference , as though the vigorous exertion of her will had finally benumbed her finer sensibilities . She dressed herself once more for the street , locked her door and went out .