About three o'clock in the afternoon
Moody , and taciturn , she refused all aid from any but Regina , and mercilessly exacted her continual presence . By day the latter waited upon and read to her ; by night she rested on the same bed , where the unhappy woman remained for hours awake , and inconsolable , dwelling persistently upon her luckless fate . At Mrs. Palma 's suggestion her stepson had not visited the sick-room since the recovery of Olga 's consciousness ; and being closely confined to the limits of the apartment , Regina had not seen her guardian for several days . About three o'clock in the afternoon , when she had finished brushing the short tangled hair that clung in auburn rings around the invalid 's forehead , Olga said : `` Read me the ` Penelope . ' '' Regina sat down on a low stool close to the couch , and while she opened the book and read , Olga 's right arm stole over her shoulder . At the opposite side of the hearth her mother sat , watching the pair ; and she saw the door open sufficiently to admit Mr. Palma 's head . Quickly she waved him back with a warning gesture ; but he shook his head resolutely , advanced a few steps , and stood in a position which prevented the girls from discovering his presence .