Three hours after
noon
Meanwhile she could only pray ; and pray she did in her fierce , half-savage fashion , never for herself , but for her mistress whom she loved , and for the child that , she remembered thankfully , Anna had foretold would be born and live out its life . Then she remembered also that this same holy woman had said that its mother 's hours would be few , and at the thought Nehushta wept . The time passed slowly , but none came to disturb them . Three hours after noon Rachel awoke , refreshed but hungry , and Nehushta had no food to give her except raw grain , from which she turned . Clearly and in few words she told her mistress all that had passed , asking her consent to the plan . `` It seems good as another , '' said Rachel with a little sigh , `` and I thank you for making it , Nou , and the Phœnician , if he is a true man . Also I do not desire to meet my father -- at least , for many years .