ten o'clock
When Doctor Bodin called , he examined her for a little while and left some prescription ; but his drooping shoulders , as he left the room , were eloquent of such powerlessness that the mother forbore to accompany him to ask even a question . On the morning after the illness had declared itself , Abbe Jouve had made all haste to call . He and his brother now again came every evening , exchanging a mute clasp of the hand with Helene , and never venturing to ask any news . They had offered to watch by the bedside in succession , but she sent them away when ten o'clock struck ; she would have no one in the bedroom during the night . One evening the Abbe , who had seemed absorbed by some idea since the previous day , took her aside . `` There is one thing I 've thought of , '' he whispered . `` Her health has put obstacles in the darling child 's way ; but her first communion might take place here . ''