six o'clock
From the hospital I hurried to the consultation ; where I was now well over-due . I found the attendant physician about to leave ; in fact , I met him on the stairs , up which I had run rapidly , as soon as my ring was answered in the familiar house . This man was followed by old Madam Decker 's daughter , who was weeping . `` She died at six o'clock , Dr. Halt , '' Miss Decker sobbed , `` at six precisely , for I noticed . We did n't expect it so soon . '' `` Nor I , either , '' said Halt , soothingly , `` I did not anticipate '' -- `` Dead ! '' I cried .