six o'clock
They gained admittance without any disturbance , as the servant of young Delvile had been ordered to sit up for his master . Cecilia much disliked thus taking possession of the house in the night-time , though Delvile , solicitous to relieve her , desired she would not waste a thought upon the subject , and making his servant shew her the room which had been prepared for her reception , he begged her to compose her spirits , and to comfort her friend , and promised to acquaint his father and mother when they arose with what had happened , that she might be saved all pain from surprise or curiosity when they met . This service she thankfully accepted , for she dreaded , after the liberty she had taken , to encounter the pride of Mr Delvile without some previous apology , and she feared still more to see his lady without the same preparation , as her frequent breach of appointment might reasonably have offended her , and as her displeasure would affect her more deeply . It was now near six o'clock , yet the hours seemed as long as they were melancholy till the family arose . They settled to remain quiet till some message was sent to them , but before any arrived , Mrs Harrel , who was seated upon the bed , wearied by fatigue and sorrow , cried herself to sleep like a child . Cecilia rejoiced in seeing this reprieve from affliction , though her keener sensations unfitted her from partaking of it ; much indeed was the uneasiness which kept her awake ; the care of Mrs Harrel seemed to devolve upon herself , the reception she might meet from the Delviles was uncertain , and the horrible adventures of the night , refused for a moment to quit her remembrance . At ten o'clock , a message was brought from Mrs Delvile , to know whether they were ready for breakfast .