five o'clock
At least , it was not in my nature . I , therefore , treated Mary with becoming gravity , whenever we happened to meet . She , under the circumstances , was ill at ease ; and rather shunned contact with me . The morning passed away , and the afternoon waned until towards five o'clock , when the accumulating pressure on Mary 's feelings became so great that she was compelled to seek relief . I was alone , sewing , when my chamber maid entered my room . The corners of her lips inclined considerably downward . `` Can I speak a word with you , Mrs. Smith ? ''