nearly nine o'clock
As Ann bade the officer farewell , the relief from haunting fears and racking possibilities almost overcame her . She went back to Floyd , resolutely holding up under the strain . She told him that the stranger had gone ; but that , as she had received no communication , she did not know the next steps that would be taken . It was nearly nine o'clock when Ann tapped softly upon Fledra 's door . There had been no sign of life from the blue room that morning ; for Miss Shellington had given orders that Fledra be allowed to sleep if she so wished . Now , however , she wanted the girl to come to the dining-room to welcome Flukey to his first meal at the table and to learn that the deputy had been withdrawn . When no voice answered her knock , Ann turned the handle of the door and peeped in .