three
o'clock in the morning
As Charles went home he thought with pleasure how his circle of friends appeared to be widening . He who was poor , and could only do good by seizing accidental occasions , he who had , in his own opinion , nothing to recommend him to the notice of his superiors , had gained friends whose present kindness was delightful to him , and on the steadiness of whose regard there was every reason to rely . He and his sister agreed , before they separated for the night , that , though they had some cares , they had peculiar blessings ; that , though one friend was unhappily estranged , new and valuable supports were gained : and that valuable as these supports were , there was One infinitely more precious , whose love no error can overcloud , no repented sin alienate ; who in sorrow draws yet nearer than in gladness , and sheds his own peace over the hearts which humble themselves under his chastening hand . It had been arranged that Hannah should sit up with Isabella for the first half of the night , and that Jane should take her place at three o'clock in the morning : as by this means she might see Charles before his departure at five o'clock . Mr Everett had called again in the evening . He saw no signs of improvement in his patient , and was sorry to observe the great reduction of strength which had taken place within a few hours . He was now pretty sure that the fever would prove a serious one .