three o'clock
She was sorry when Miss Gallifer came back , though there was no help for that ; but Miss Gallifer was obtrusive only when she chatted or moved about . For much of the time she pursued the secret of Violet Pryde with such assiduity that the room became quiescent , and communion with Rash could be re-established . The awesome silence was disturbed only by the turning of Miss Gallifer 's pages . It might have been three o'clock . Once more Barbara was lost in the unaccustomed hush , her eyes fixed on the white face on the pillow , in almost hypnotic restfulness . The pushing open of the door behind was so soft that she did n't notice . Miss Gallifer turned another page .