four o'clock in the morning
He will sleep , and , when he awakes , it is perhaps permissible that you should speak to him . '' * * * * * Well , it was permissible . The age of miracles had not passed for those two . Even the experienced doctor marveled at the strength of a man who at four o'clock in the morning could have a sword driven through the tissues in perilous proximity to the right lung , and yet , at nine o'clock on that same night , was able to announce an unalterable resolution to get up and dress for breakfast next day . That , of course , was a pleasing fiction intended for Cynthia 's benefit . It served its purpose admirably . The kindly nurse displayed an unexpected firmness in leading her to her own room , there to eat and sleep .