four o'clock
She had arrived at her final decision early in the afternoon of the third day after her return , and at once she resolved that she would endure the ordeal that very evening . She passed the intervening time , singularly enough , in very carefully setting her room to rights , adjusting and readjusting the few ornaments on the mantel-shelf and walls , winding the clock that struck ship 's bells instead of the hours , and minutely sorting the letters and papers in her desk . It was the same as if she were going upon a long journey or were preparing for a great sickness . Toward four o'clock Miss Douglass , looking in to ask how she did , found her before her mirror carefully combing and arranging her great bands and braids of dark-red hair . The fever nurse declared that she was immensely improved in appearance , and asked at once if she was not feeling better . `` Yes , '' answered Lloyd , `` very much better , '' adding : `` I shall be down to supper to-night . '' For some reason that she could not explain Lloyd took unusual pains with her toilet , debating long over each detail of dress and ornament .