about one o'clock in the morning
said Philip , covering his face with his hands , as he sank down upon the blood-stained couch . After a short interval , Philip Vanderdecken returned to the bedside of his mother , whom he found much better ; and the neighbours , having their own affairs to attend to , left them alone . Exhausted with the loss of blood , the poor woman slumbered for many hours , during which she never let go the hand of Philip , who watched her breathing in mournful meditation . It was about one o'clock in the morning when the widow awoke . She had in a great degree recovered her voice , and thus she addressed her son : -- `` My dear , my impetuous boy , and have I detained you here a prisoner so long ? '' `` My own inclination detained me , mother . I leave you not to others until you are up and well again . ''