four
o’clock
Shortly after Amy 's departure , a professional nurse came to attend upon what the doctor had privately characterised as a very grave case . By the evening its gravity was in no respect diminished . The sufferer had ceased to cough and to make restless movements , and had become lethargic ; later , he spoke deliriously , or rather muttered , for his words were seldom intelligible . Amy had returned to the room at four o'clock , and remained till far into the night ; she was physically exhausted , and could do little but sit in a chair by the bedside and shed silent tears , or gaze at vacancy in the woe of her sudden desolation . Telegrams had been exchanged with her mother , who was to arrive in Brighton to-morrow morning ; the child 's funeral would probably be on the third day from this . When she rose to go away for the night , leaving the nurse in attendance , Reardon seemed to lie in a state of unconsciousness , but just as she was turning from the bed , he opened his eyes and pronounced her name . ` I am here , Edwin , ' she answered , bending over him .